Asian shares bounce, others cautious as oil rises

Asian shares experienced a bounce on Monday, with European markets remaining cautious as oil prices rose following attacks in the Gulf. Markets were closely watching the upcoming US August CPI report, with forecasts suggesting a 0.2% increase in core inflation. This data, combined with hawkish expectations from the European Central Bank, could prompt further interest rate hikes.

Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's stock markets both saw gains, while MSCI's Asia-Pacific index outside Japan rose 0.9%. High bond yields, nearing a 5.0% barrier, added pressure to equity valuations. The Federal Reserve prepared for a potential 58% chance of a September rate hike and a 70% probability of a move in October. Central bank moves in response to the energy shock were seen as supportive for asset prices and the credit cycle, although central banks were beginning to act more assertively.

The dollar index saw a modest boost from the US jobs report, but concerns over US debt and policy uncertainties kept it near recent lows. Gold prices remained steady.