Stock market today: Asia stocks rise with market focus on signs of interest rate cut

Asia stocks are mostly higher, with investors mainly focusing on a U.S. inflation report and what it means for interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Oil prices advanced while U.S. futures were mixed. The yen weakened, coming close to a 34-year low. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq composite all ended nearly unchanged on Monday. Treasury yields moved higher. Hot reports on inflation and the economy have forced traders to push back forecasts for when relief on rates could arrive. That raises the pressure on companies to deliver strong profits to justify higher stock prices. Reports on inflation and corporate profits are due later this week.