Shortly past midday, the Dow Jones
Reason 1: Positive economic signs
The most notable economic sign today came courtesy of the IMF, which raised global economic GDP growth to 3.5%, up from a previous estimate of 3.3%, while also raising its 2013 estimate to 4.1% growth. Key growth projections include a 2.1% gain this year in the United States, a 0.3% decline in the euro area, and 8.2% growth in China.
Still, despite the better outlook, the IMF warns that conditions are still very volatile and that risks that can't easily be calculated remain. One such area of concern -- Spain -- conducted a successful 12-month and 18-month bond sale today that pushed yields back below 6%. That news was enough to temporarily ease investor concerns around the country that is trying to rein in its deficit and contain spiraling interest rate spreads. However, more long-term bond auctions set for Thursday will probably be more telling tests of Spain's future.
Reason 2: Good earnings, not great earnings
Coca-Cola
Reason 3: Volatile markets are back
After a mundane start to the year, where big moves in either direction were uncommon, we've seen a series of big moves in markets recently. One needs to look no further than Apple
Keep searching for global opportunities
Looking for a place to start your watchlist of great companies to buy? In the past decade, emerging-market consumer spending grew 250%, leaving the growth rates of the U.S. and Europe in the dust. We saw just how important these markets are today when their high sales led to Coca-Cola's post-earnings jump. If you're an investor scanning the world for opportunities, look no further than our new report: "3 American Companies Set to Dominate the World." In it, Fool analysts select three companies with international growth opportunities that are simply stunning. The report is free, but won't be available forever, so get your copy by clicking here today!