US markets rally as manufacturing and equipment profits beat expectations

US markets rally as manufacturing and equipment profits beat expectations. US stocks rose, recovering from yesterday's loss, as earnings from Caterpillar to 3M exceeded analysts' estimates and data signaled stronger growth in the European economy. Caterpillar, the largest construction equipment maker, added 4.5 percent after raising its full-year earnings forecast amid higher sales of construction machinery in North America. 3M climbed 5 percent as the maker of Post-it notes boosted sales in all of its businesses. Tractor Supply Co. surged 16 percent, the most in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, after increasing its profit forecast. (VIEW LINK)