Beijing - Shares in China's main stock market index leapt by more than 3 per cent on Tuesday, taking its total gains this year to more than 20 per cent.

The key Shanghai Composite Index, which tracks shares traded in local and foreign currencies, gained 3.02 per cent on Tuesday, boosted by continuing speculation over more economic stimulus measures by the government.

The Shanghai index closed at 2,218.33, up 65.04 points, with a similar surge in the smaller Shenzhen Composite Index.

Investors speculated that the central bank will soon reduce interest rates to encourage lending, while local media said a global rise in the prices of copper and other metals also spurred the Shanghai market.

Insurance, shipping and airline firms all rose sharply in Shanghai on Tuesday, the Shanghai Daily newspaper said. (dpa)