U.S. stocks open higher after Paris attacks

U.S. stocks opened higher on Monday, following the Paris attacks on Friday, as investors believed its impact on markets was limited.

On the economic front, the November 2015 Empire State Manufacturing Survey indicates that business activity declined for a fourth consecutive month for New York manufacturers. The headline general business conditions index was little changed at minus 10.7.

No other major economic data it due Monday. Investors awaited the meeting minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) due out later this week.

Traders will look for hints on the timing of interest rate hike from the U.S. central bank.

In corporate news, Marriott International has agreed to acquire Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in a cash and stock deal valued at 12.2 billion U.S. dollars to create the world's largest hotel chain.

Shortly after the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 32.20 points, or 0.19 percent, to 17,277.44. The S&P 500 was up 5.49 points, or 0.27 percent, to 2,028.53. The Nasdaq Composite Index rose 4.67 points, or 0.09 percent, to 4,932.55.

U.S. stocks declined for a third straight session Friday, as investors meditated on generally downbeat economic data and disappointing earnings reports. Endi