ASX 200 Edges Higher as Oil Prices Ease and Rate Bets Steady Nerves

The ASX 200 index inched higher on Monday to 8,759.4, up 0.21% from last week's steep losses.

Falling oil prices and a rebound on Wall Street gave investors reason to step back into the market, but trading remained thin and cautious.

The Reserve Bank of Australia will weigh further interest rate increases at its policy meeting this month.

Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser said policymakers will consider additional tightening, while Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter cautioned that officials have limited tolerance for renewed price pressures.