By Jim Jelter
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Energy stocks opened higher Monday, tracking further gains in crude oil futures prices. The NYSE Arca Oil Index (XOI 1,081, +4.03, +0.37%) was up 0.5% at 1,083 points, with all 13 components in the green. The NYSE Arca Natural Gas Index (XNG 556.95, +2.21, +0.40%) was ahead 0.5% at 557 and the Philadelphia Oil Service Index (OSX 199.51, +2.25, +1.14%) was up 1.2% at 199 points. Crude for February delivery extended recent gains, trading 80 cents higher at $78.85 a barrel in New York.
