Alcoa ( AA ) was the Dow's strongest component, up 4.8% due to higher metal prices. With wholesale level inflation in a zone that appears to be under control, the Fed is expected to keep interest rates low, and that encourages investors to place money into more high-risk areas. What the Markets Are Saying Stocks closed higher again yesterday, and even though both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq have risen 9 of the last 10 trading days, it is a pace that can't be sustained for much longer.