Video

Asian shares were mostly higher Monday, as soaring oil and commodity prices actually boosted a number of regional-linked stocks. Australian shares posted a fourth straight gain, led by resource firms like Woodside Petroleum and top miner BHP Billiton. In Tokyo the Nikkei hit a 4-month peak, led by Nippon Steel on reports it had agreed with automakers to hike sheet steel prices. The Nikkei has now gained 22% from a year low in March, while trading firms and Inpex Holdings rose on the record oil prices. Taiwan stocks hit a fresh year peak, boosted on hopes of better economic conditions under the new President amid stronger China business ties. Seoul shares broke the trend, ending lower after the benchmark KOSPI touched a year peak last week. Technology bellwethers like Samsung Electronics fell, although profits outlooks were expected to support prices. Dan Sloan reporting. COMPANIES MENTIONED: SYMBOLS: