U.S. coal company stocks rise on China rate cuts12 minutes ago by Thomson Reuters June 7 (Reuters) - Shares in U.S. mining companies that export steelmaking coal rose on Thursday after China cut interest rates in a move seen as boosting hopes of a jolt to the slowing global economy. "The rate cut in China is helping coal stocks, especially the ones with more international exposure," said analyst Lucas Pipes, of Brean Murray Carret & Co. He said investors viewed China's action as a move to stimulate the domestic economy, which would mean the Chinese might import more coal, in particular the metallurgical kind used to make steel. Shares of Peabody Energy which operates mines in Australia and exports coal to the Pacific region, rose 4.1 percent to $25.07 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Cliffs Natural Resources rose 3.2 percent to $50.19, Alpha Natural Resources was 3.3 percent higher at $10.05 and Walter Energy rose 1.8 percent to $48.26.