Alcoa's stock surged 5.10% in pre-market trading, marking a significant upward movement for the aluminum producer.

The rally aligns with a broader shift in market momentum towards metals and mining stocks. Analysts cite increased geopolitical risk boosting military spending and the ongoing AI-driven data-center build-out as key drivers. Modern military equipment and AI infrastructure are heavily reliant on critical minerals and metals, elevating the strategic importance of companies like Alcoa, which was recently highlighted as a potential winner in this sector.