Jan 23 (Reuters) - Australian shares inched higher on Monday to their highest in nearly nine months, as technology stocks tracked Wall Street's strong finish last week and firm crude oil prices lifted energy stocks.

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.1% to 7,458.00 by 2328 GMT, extending gains to a fourth session. Trading volumes were low, with some major Asian markets including key trading partner China closed for holidays. S&P E-minis futures were up 0.1%.

In Australia, energy stocks climbed 0.5% after oil prices settled higher on Friday as economic prospects brightened in China, the world's second-biggest economy.

The sub-index hit its highest since Nov. 24 last year, with major oil and gas producers Woodside Energy and Santos gaining 1.2% and 1.5%, respectively.

Technology stocks advanced 1.1% to hit a more than one-month high. ASX-listed Block, software maker Xero and WiseTech Global rose between 0.8% and 6.3%.

Financials added 0.2%, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group rising 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively.

Miners rose 0.1%, with Fortescue Metals trading 0.4% higher. Meanwhile, heavyweights BHP Group and Rio Tinto shed 0.5% and 0.7%, respectively.

Diversified miner South32 rose 0.6% after posting a 24.4% jump in its second-quarter metallurgical coal output.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index fell 0.1% to 11,963.57, starting the week on a subdued note after three straight weeks of gains. (Reporting by Upasana Singh; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)