Miners keep ASX in the green as China unveils stimulus

ASX
The materials sector rose 2.7 per cent, more than offsetting a lacklustre day for the big banks. -AAP Image

The local bourse has gained ground, with the mining sector enjoying its best day in four months as China unveiled new stimulus measures to prop up its ailing economy.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index on Tuesday closed up 33.3 points, or 0.46 per cent, to 7,339.7, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 37.4 points, or 0.5 per cent, to 7,554.7.

The mining sector rose 2.7 per cent, its best day since a 2.9 per cent rise on March 2, with BHP alone responsible for two-thirds of the ASX200's gains on the day.  

The Australian dollar was buying 67.68 US cents, from 67.38 US cents at Monday's ASX close.