US equity indexes were higher on Monday amid gains in technology stocks, gold's strong upward trend and falling government bond yields.

* The partial US federal government shutdown reached its 20th day on Monday, becoming the third-longest in the nation's history, according to media reports. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CNBC the shutdown may end this week as moderate Democrats work to reach a deal.

* President Donald Trump signaled he may consider reducing tariffs on Chinese goods if Beijing offers concessions in return, combining a firm economic posture with openness to negotiation. While he recently described the current 100% tariff level as unsustainable, Trump said he plans to push for an end to China's export restrictions on rare earth minerals in upcoming trade discussions.

* November West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell $0.06 to settle at $57.48 per barrel, while December Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen down $0.31 to $60.98.

* Shares of Expand Energy (EXE) rose about 6.1% after Wolfe Research lowered its price target on the company to $153 from $154 while keeping an Outperform rating.

* Exelixis shares (EXEL) dropped nearly 12% after the company reported mixed phase 3 trial results for its drug zanzalintinib combined with atezolizumab, which was tested against regorafenib in patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer that is not high in microsatellite instability.