U.S. Stocks Open Higher Amid Thin Volumes

The U.S. stock market began the holiday-shortened week slightly higher on Monday, with sentiment boosted by mergers and acquisitions deals amid thin volumes. The only data on tap is existing-home sales, due at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Energy sector stocks fell sharply, as a slide in oil prices resumed. The S&P 500 was up 2 points, or 0.1%, at 2,073. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 65 points, or 0.4%, to 17,869. The Nasdaq Composite opened 3 points, or 0.1%, lower at at 4,762.