As markets opened in Asia on Monday, crude oil prices were showing modest gains amid growing optimism that the United States Senate is set to advance a funding agreement that could end the federal government shutdown. At the time of writing, WTI had climbed to $60.08 while Brent was trading at $63.94, both up by roughly 0.5%. Senate negotiators had reportedly struck a deal ahead of a Sunday evening session to begin advancing a House-passed continuing resolution. At least eight Democrats are prepared to vote in favour of advancing the funding measure,…