http://nz.biz.yahoo.com//091103/16/fgoa.html

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SYDNEY, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Australian shares rose 0.5 percent on Tuesday, supported by miners and some of the top banks, following solid economic data in the U.S. that eased some concerns over the health of the global economy.

Investors will be on the alert for Australia's central bank's interest rate decision, due at 2:30 pm (0330 GMT). Analysts expect rates to rise by 25 basis points to 3.5 percent, with some chance of a 50 basis point rise. [ID:nSYD436754]

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO rose 20.8 points to 4,561.2 at 0009 GMT.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index .NZ50 fell 0.3 percent to 3,175.2 in early trade.