Stocks rise to 4-week high, metals in demand

China's stocks rose to the highest in almost four weeks, led by Jiangxi Copper Co and other metal producers, on the expectation that higher commodity prices will help boost profits.

Jiangxi Copper and Tongling Non-ferrous Metals Group Co jumped more than 4 percent on speculation the government will increase purchases of the metal. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co and other lenders fell as expectations of an interest rate cut eased.

The Shanghai Composite Index gained 5.40, or 0.2 percent, to 2,223.73 at the close, the highest since Feb 23. The CSI 300 Index, measuring exchanges in Shanghai and Shenzhen, advanced 0.4 percent.