Stocks started the week higher in Asia, building on Friday's gains in the Americas and Europe after an upbeat U.S. employment report helped sentiment behind demand for goods from Asia. The report helped give The Wall Street Journal Dollar Index its best day in a month. The U.S. dollar was little changed Monday morning in Asia.

European stocks rallied on Friday as a jump in bank shares helped the regional benchmark overcome losses in shares of Swiss Re AG and British home builders. The Stoxx Europe 600 index SXXP, +0.95% leaped 1% to end at 382.53, the biggest percentage rise since July 14, FactSet data showed. The benchmark finished at its highest level since July 26, with all sectors ending higher, led by consumer goods, industrial and telecom shares.

European stocks rallied on Friday as a jump in bank shares helped the regional benchmark overcome losses in shares of Swiss Re AG and British home builders. The Stoxx Europe 600 index SXXP, +0.95% leaped 1% to end at 382.53, the biggest percentage rise since July 14, FactSet data showed. The benchmark finished at its highest level since July 26, with all sectors ending higher, led by consumer goods, industrial and telecom shares.