Asian equity markets opened higher on Monday, driven by optimism surrounding the technology sector and a decline in oil prices.
Investors positioned for strong quarterly earnings reports from major US technology firms, with semiconductor stocks leading the advance across the region.
The rally provided a positive start to the week, building on the momentum from a record-breaking second quarter for Asian equities.
The Nikkei 225, however, showed relative weakness compared to other regional benchmarks.
While the broader market benefited from the tech-led sentiment, Japan's flagship index struggled to match the gains seen in Hong Kong and South Korea.
The Hang Seng Index and the Kospi posted stronger openings, reflecting the concentrated buying interest in chip-related equities and growth stocks.