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TSX ends up 0.2% at 23,952.22

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Fourth day of record closing highs

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Materials group gains 1.8%; gold prices climb

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Energy adds 1%; oil settles 1.7% higher

(Updates at market close)

By Nikhil Sharma and Fergal Smith

Sept 24 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index extended

its record-setting run on Tuesday, led by gains for energy and

metal mining shares, as major commodity importer China unveiled

stimulus measures to boost its economy.

The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index

ended up 57.51 points, or 0.2%, at 23,952.22, its

fourth straight day of record closing highs.

China's stimulus package, including interest rate cuts, was

broader than expected and marked the latest attempt by

policymakers to restore confidence in the world's second-largest

economy.

"When China is being stimulated, that definitely helps the

price of oil and many other commodities move higher," said Allan

Small, senior investment advisor of the Allan Small Financial

Group with iA Private Wealth.

Taken together with the Federal Reserve cutting interest

rates "you have all the makings of a good market in Canada,"

Small said.

Investors expect the Fed to continue cutting interest rates

over the coming months after the U.S. central bank reduced

borrowing costs for the first time in four years last Wednesday.

The Bank of Canada has also been easing policy. Given the

continued progress the BoC has made in bringing inflation back

down to the 2% target, it's reasonable to expect more rate cuts,

Governor Tiff Macklem said.

The materials group, which includes fertilizer companies and

mental mining shares, rose 1.8% as gold and copper

prices climbed. It was led by a gain of 9% for Aya Gold & Silver

Inc. ( AYASF )

The price of oil also rose, settling 1.7% higher at $71.56 a

barrel, on China's stimulus measures and concerns that growing

conflict in the Middle East could hit regional supply.

The energy sector was up 1% and industrials added 0.3%.

Heavily weighted financials were a drag, ending 0.2% lower.