Asian technology shares advanced at the start of the week, with the Nikkei rising about 2% and South Korea’s Kospi gaining around 3% to 6,900, while European and Wall Street futures were little changed. Oil prices also climbed after escalating Gulf tensions, with Brent at $96.85 a barrel and U.S. crude at $92.10. The move has renewed concern over diesel costs and inflation ahead of Friday’s August U.S. CPI report. A core-inflation reading above 0.2% could increase pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise rates this month. Markets are also watching Thursday’s expected ECB rate increase to 2.50%, German political developments and the week’s scheduled economic data.