Stocks start the week on a positive note

The market kicked off a busy earnings week on a positive note. The Dow (^DJI) was up 0.25% The Nasdaq (^IXIC) was up 0.64% and the S&P 500 (^GSPC) was up 0.38%.

Netflix (NFLX) is scheduled to report its quarterly results after the close today. McDonald’s (MCD) reports Tuesday before the open. Also on tap this week: Facebook (FB), Amazon (AMZN), Ford (F) and about 150 other S&P 500 companies.

Meanwhile, a measure of the U.S. economy’s health rose for the third consecutive month in March. The Conference Board’s leading indicators rose 0.8% in March versus expectations of 0.7%. The Conference Board economists see “accelerated growth for the remainder of the spring and summer." The gains in the index were driven by improved outlooks on hiring and the consumer.

In corporate news, Microsoft’s (MSFT) acquisition of Nokia’s (NOK) devices and services unit will close on Friday. The deal was originally slated to close in March, but was held up by Chinese government approval, which was received two weeks ago.

And Gilead Sciences (GILD) tops Citigroup (C)’s list of 50 top “Buy”-rated stocks with a market cap of at least $3 billion. Citi believes Gilead will generate significant cash and use that cash for stock buy backs as well as acquisitions.