Expectations for Alcoa (NYSE:AA) Rising on Aluminum Prices

Aluminum prices have lagged the upsurge in metals prices, and that has been part of the reason Alcoa (NYSE:AA) has been held back, although operational issues were part of the mix as well.

Now expectations for Alcoa (NYSE:AA) have been getting a big boost as aluminum prices are rising to two-year highs.

Some think when Alcoa released their quarterly report next week, it may exceed expectations.

Charles Bradford, of Affiliated Research Group, said, "The economic outlook does look better and the metal price is higher. Their earnings could be better than the consensus estimate."

Analysts are looking for 19 cents a share for Alcoa, which last year in the same quarter generated earnings of 1 cents a share.

Alcoa was trading at $16.30, up $0.50, or 3.16 percent, as of 2:15 PM EST.