US stocks opened with modest gains Monday after last week's slump, lifted by encouraging China trade data that signaled renewed momentum in the economy and solid earnings from a key US homebuilder.
In the first five minutes of trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 13.82 points (0.11 percent) at 12,829.21.
The broad-market S&P 500 advanced 3.26 (0.24 percent) to 1,383.11, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite rose 12.94 (0.45 percent) to 2,917.81.
"The support for stocks comes as China reported stronger than expected exports and US homebuilder DR Horton Inc posted better-than-expected earnings," Charles Schwab & Co. analyst said.
China's export growth accelerated in October for the second straight month, the government said Saturday, adding to evidence the world's second-largest economy is bouncing back from a slowdown.
There were no major economic data scheduled for release and the bond market was closed in observance of Veterans Day.
On Friday, US stocks eked out small gains, capping a week of solid losses amid fears about the nation's looming "fiscal cliff," automatic spending cuts and expiring tax breaks that will come at year-end unless avoided.
