Asian shares rose broadly on Monday, cheered by a firmer U.S. dollar and easing concerns about a global credit crisis. Japan's Nikkei share average rose for a fifth day, led by exporters such as Honda Motor after the yen fell to its lowest against the U.S. dollar since late February. Banks such as Mitsubishi UFJ were higher on a growing belief that the worst of the global credit crisis may be over. In Seoul the KOSPI broke the 1,800 point barrier for the first time since January 11, boosted by buying of chipmakers and financials. In Australia shares jumped, led by banks and energy-related firms like top independent Woodside Petroleum. Oil remained near a record $117 a barrel, as comments by OPEC that it did need to increase production supported prices. China Mobile earnings topped a broadly higher day in Hong Kong, with the leading China wireless provider growing net profit by a half percent in the last quarter. Dan Sloan reporting. COMPANIES MENTIONED: SYMBOLS: