The IHS Markit Flash US Composite PMI put the overall expansion up from 56.3 in October to 57.9 in November, the highest level since March 2015.
Meanwhile Oxford University and AstraZeneca said interim trial data showed their vaccine candidate offered a high level of protection and did not require extremely cold temperatures for storage.
However AstraZeneca shares closed 3.8% lower in London given the vaccine's efficacy rate of up to 90% was lower than rivals' results.
Gold fell from above US$1,870 an ounce on the spot market to $1,830/oz and was worth about US$1,837/oz at the time of writing.
In London, precious metals producer Fresnillo fell 4.3%, while diversified Glencore gained 2.37%.
Gold major Newmont tumbled 4.82% in New York.
US markets closed higher to start the week, ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday.
Market futures were generally positive.
