The Australian share market has outperformed others in the Asian region, as strength in the banking sector pushed it higher.
Commonwealth Bank shares closed at a record high, and its three rivals also posted strong gains.
That helped offset falls by energy stocks and metals companies.
Activity on the market was low, as investors wait for a central bank meeting in the US later in the week.
"Asia is not looking too flash at present," IG chief market strategist Chris Weston said.
"The fact the ASX/200 has held up so well is positive, with financials and materials providing support."
Japan's market fell as investors were worried by talk of a delay to an anticipated increase in the country's consumption tax.
A debt review in China had hurt sentiment on its market.
Locally, Commonwealth Bank added 21 cents to $73.86, above its previous best closing price of $73.49 in May.
Westpac gained 30 cents to $30.82, National Australia Bank gained 16 cents to $31.16 and ANZ was 23 cents higher at $29.64.
In the resource sector, BHP Billiton dropped five cents to $34.55, Rio Tinto shed 13 cents to $57.11 and Fortescue Metals added four cents to $3.65.
But gold miner Newcrest lost 26 cents to $12.15, while OZ Minerals shed eight cents to $4.05 after warning it would take a hit of up to $240 million in its first half results, largely due to lower copper and gold prices.
Energy companies also fell, with Woodside down 28 cents to $37.50, Santos down 17 cents to $13.64 and Oil Search five cents lower at $7.99.
KEY FACTS
At close on Monday, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 4.3 points, or 0.09 per cent, at 5046.3.
The broader All Ordinaries index was up 4.1 points, or 0.08 per cent, at 5027.9.
On the ASX 24, the September share price index futures contract was two points higher at 5,010 with 17,323 contracts traded.
National turnover was 1.3 billion securities worth $3.04 billion.
