Dow Jones Newswires | With Caterpillar, Alcoa and Chevron in the lead, stocks rose, prompting the Dow Jones Industrial Average to close above 11,000 for the first time since September 2008.

The Dow climbed 8.62 points, or 0.08%, to 11,005.97, its highest close since Sept. 26, 2008. Caterpillar was the measure’s best performer, up $1.46, or 2.2%, to $66.73, after Baird upgraded its investment rating on the industrial giant’s stock to “outperform” from “neutral.” The firm cited higher machinery production rates and an expected increase in global mining capital spending.

Alcoa rose 18 cents, or 1.3%, to 14.57, as investors’ hopes rose for the aluminum giant’s first-quarter report. Chevron also was strong, up 93 cents, or 1.2%, to 80.43.