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ZHANG: Asian shares ended the first day of the trading week slightly higher, as investors bought regional exporters and technology firms. Regional financial stocks remained under pressure, however, that kept overall gains limited. The Nikkei rose 1.2 percent to a 5-week high as resource-linked companies bolstered sentiment. Oilfield producer Inpex Holdings gained after a rise in crude prices. Nippon Steel, though, extended its slide from last Friday, after reports that coal prices from suppliers may soar. Taiwan shares rose on the day, as investors chased technology exporters such as LCD-maker AU Optronics. Taiwan's benchmark index was one of the bigger gainers in the region, rising 1.6 percent. South Korea's benchmark also gained as exporter LG Electronics rose, which offset weak banks and steelmaker POSCO's decline. In Australia, BHP Billiton jumped over 5 percent, and helped the S&P/ASX200 eke out a minor gain on the day, as weaker banks like ANZ checked a broader rise. The Australian benchmark ended just 0.10 percent higher.