Nikkei Jumps as Asia Stocks Mix and Oil Prices Rise Ahead of Key US Inflation Data

Asian and European shares opened mixed on Monday, but Japan's Nikkei 225 led the gains after Wall Street ended higher at the end of last week.

The Nikkei jumped 2.1% to 66,970.22, helped by strong gains in technology shares, including Tokyo Electron which rose 4.1%, and Advantest which gained 6.4%.

Oil prices also moved up as uncertainty continued over efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East, with Brent crude rising 0.8% to USD 84.23 a barrel and US benchmark crude gaining 0.7% to USD 78.72 a barrel.

Investors are balancing hopes for Fed rate hikes against Middle East risks and crucial US inflation data due this week.