U.S. stocks opened slightly higher on Monday as signs of life in the global economy kept U.S. investors optimistic over the prospects of a recovery, and rising oil prices boosted energy shares.

The Dow Jones industrial average (.DJI) gained 24.79 points, or 0.29 percent, to 8,463.18. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (.SPX) rose 2.03 points, or 0.22 percent, to 920.93. The Nasdaq Composite Index (.IXIC) added 4.17 points, or 0.23 percent, to 1,842.39.