U.S. stocks opened sharply higher on Monday after a renewed pledge by France and Germany to come up with a plan to resolve the euro zone debt crisis by month's end lifted sentiment.
The Dow Jones industrial average gained 185.35 points, or 1.67 per cent, to 11,288.47. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index rose 21.90 points, or 1.90 per cent, to 1,177.36. The Nasdaq Composite Index added 45.04 points, or 1.82 per cent, to 2,524.39.
Adding to the upbeat tone, the benchmark S&P 500 traded above its 50-day moving average for the first time since late July. A close above it would be considered a bullish technical signal.