TOKYO, March 15 (Reuters) - The Nikkei average inched up to a seven-week closing high on Monday, with some exporters climbing on a weaker yen, though profit-taking in recent gainers such as Advantest Corp <6857.T> tempered the market's rise.

The benchmark Nikkei <.N225> rose 0.72 point to 10,751.98, its highest close since Jan. 21. The Nikkei also hit a seven-week intraday high of 10,808.84 earlier on Monday.

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* Asian stocks fall from near seven-week highs

* Asian stocks fall from near seven-week highs

* Dollar, yen benefit from haven interest

* Fed seen standing pat on rates after 2-day policy meet

* OPEC seen keeping output targets steady at Wednesday's meet

* Wary of speculation for backing EMF with gold

* Players may be seeking new comfort zone at lower levels

PERTH, March 15 (Reuters) - Oil prices fell slightly below $81 a barrel on Monday, extending the previous session's decline, as data showing a drop in U.S. consumer confidence renewed concerns about energy demand in the world's largest oil consumer.

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TOKYO, March 15 (Reuters) - The Nikkei average hit a seven-week high on Monday, lifted by exporters such as Canon Inc <7751.T> on a weaker yen, while investors were keeping a close eye on monetary policy reviews in Japan and the United States this week.

The benchmark Nikkei <.N225> was up 0.5 percent at 10,801.19, after rising as high as 10,803.82, its highest since Jan. 21.

TOKYO, March 15 (Reuters) - Gold prices rebounded on Monday from a two-week low hit late last week, but remained pressured by a weaker dollar and investors' profit-taking.

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