"With our own Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Business Survey projecting only a marginal improvement in output and confidence in the early part of 2013, these latest figures underline the picture of an economy that has been treading water for an extended period of time, " she said.

BBC: Scotland business

U.S. economic data due for release Tuesday includes the Manpower quarterly U.S. employment survey, the NFIB small business optimism index, and the weekly Goldman Sachs and Johnson Redbook retail sales reports.

FORBES: A.M. Kitco Metals Roundup: Gold Sharply Higher on Bargain Hunting, Short Covering, and Some Fresh Safe-Haven Demand

U.S. economic data due for release Friday includes the USDA planting intentions and quarterly grain stocks report, personal income and outlays, the ISM Chicago business survey and the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey.

FORBES: Comex Gold Up On Short Covering, Bargain Hunting, Bullish Outside Markets