As it happened: ASX closes 0.3 higher after Lowe offers economic hope

Summary

• Reserve Bank holds rates steady at 0.25 per cent. 
• The ASX 200 finished 15.9 points, or 0.27 per cent, higher to close at 5835.1. 
• The Australian dollar jumped to a more-than four-month high of 68.13 US cents. It was worth 67.80 US cents at 12.15pm AEST. 
• Fortescue reached fresh highs of $14.88 today. Rubber glove maker Ansell hit new highs of $36.10.