Wall Street opens higher on economy bets, energy

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.