The Australian share market has closed slightly higher, with falls by market heavyweight BHP Billiton offset by gains by the banks and big retailers.
At the close on Wednesday, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 10.8 points, or 0.19 per cent, higher at 5,634.6, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 10.8 points, or 0.19 per cent, at 5,629.2, according to preliminary figures.
On the ASX 24, the September share price index futures contract was 16 points higher at 5,600, with 28,901 contracts traded.