(Bloomberg) -- Investors snapped up bullish options on exchange-traded funds tracking Chinese equities as shares gained on speculation that the government will increase stimulus to bolster economic growth.

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Chinese authorities announced plans for three top financial regulators to hold a briefing on the economy. Also, the central bank lowered a short-term policy rate. Disappointing economic data last month increased concern that China could miss its yearly growth target without additional support.

The one-month put skew — or premium for bearish options over bullish ones — on the iShares China Large-Cap ETF neared parity Monday for the first time since July amid a slew of call buying. Some 30,000 call options traded allowing the holder to pick up 3 million shares at $29.50 by Oct. 18, with November-expiry calls being bought as well.

The ETF gained as much as 2.7% at one point, and closed 2% higher at $27.68. Total call volume was the highest since July, and calls outnumbered puts by 3.5 to 1.

Investors also turned more bullish on the Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF, with 30,000 contracts of $24 calls changing hands. The ETF gained 0.5% to $23.09

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