Global Markets Today: Asia Rises, Europe Dips, Gold Holds Strong

US stock markets closed higher on Monday, driven by optimism over earnings season. Asian markets followed suit, with Japan's Nikkei 225, Australia's S&P/ASX 200, China's Shanghai Composite, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index all posting gains. However, European markets faced a slight downturn, with the STOXX 600 index, Germany's DAX, and France's CAC all declining. Gold remained above $1,900, while crude oil and natural gas prices fluctuated. US futures were down, and the US Dollar Index saw a slight increase.