Stocks rose on Monday as reports of possible merger and acquisition activity suggested investors still see value in the market after a run-up of more than 50 percent since March.

According to the latest available figures, the Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> gained 21.39 points, or 0.22 percent, to 9,626.80. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> added 6.58 points, or 0.63 percent, to 1,049.31. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> rose 10.88 points, or 0.52 percent, to 2,091.78.

(Reporting by Rodrigo Campos; Editing by Kenneth Barry)