Tech Giants Microsoft and Alphabet Drive Dow Higher During Earnings Season

U.S. stocks traded higher as several blue chip companies reported stronger than expected earnings, with Alphabet and Microsoft set to release their earnings after the close. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.7%, the S&P 500 added 0.7%, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.8%. The earnings season has been better than expected so far, with 77% of S&P 500 companies surpassing analysts' expectations. Investors are reassured by positive forward guidance from companies.