NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks inched ahead on Tuesday after the makers of Kellogg’s cereal and Oreo cookies joined the parade of companies reporting stronger-than-expected profits.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 index gained 2.43 points, or 0.1 percent, to 2,575.26, the latest tick higher in what’s been a remarkably smooth ride this year. The index closed out October with its seventh straight...