Asian shares rise cautiously ahead of U.S. inflation data

Asian shares edged higher as investors prepare for a week where US inflation data will test wagers the next move in interest rates will be down, while worries about a possible credit crunch weighed on the dollar. The Federal Reserve's survey of loan officers will draw an unusual amount of attention as markets seek to gauge the impact of regional banking stress on lending. The Bank of England is widely expected to lift its rates by a quarter point on Thursday.