Australian miners gain as iron ore prices rise
** Shares of Australian miners .AXMM rise as much as 1.3%, hitting their highest since September 24
** Subindex tracks iron ore prices, which rise after data showed China's factory activity returned to growth in September, while fresh stimulus measures from Beijing further support sentiment IRONORE/
** AXMM down over 7% for the month and is on track for its worst month since June
** On Wednesday, BHP
** YTD, index up 14%