Major U.S. stock-indexes rose on Monday morning, helped by financial stocks that gained a day after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said the case for an interest rate hike had strengthened. Yellen, addressing a gathering of global central bankers on Friday, said the central bank was close to meeting its goals of maximum employment and stable prices, while describing consumer spending as "solid". Yellen gave little indication of when the Fed would move but Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer suggested that a move as soon as next month could be possible.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (28 of 30). Top gainer The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV, +1.22%). Top loser - The Walt Disney Company (DIS, -0.74%).

All S&P sectors also in positive area. Top gainer - Conglomerates (+2.5%).

At the moment:

Dow 18478.00 +98.00 +0.53%

S&P 500 2180.00 +11.50 +0.53%

Nasdaq 100 4800.50 +14.75 +0.31%

Oil 46.79 -0.85 -1.78%

Gold 1326.40 +0.50 +0.04%

U.S. 10yr 1.58 -0.05