Gains by miners and oil producers on the share market could not offset a broad sell-off across the financial sector.

The Australian share market has made a small gain despite a weak start to the day, driven by support for miners and a recovery by the big banks.

Investor uncertainty linked to the geopolitical tension sparked by North Korea's latest nuclear test has driven Australian shares lower.

Gains in the mining, financial and healthcare sectors have helped drive the Australian share market to its best session since early August.

The Australian share market has ended the day steady, as Telstra shares plunged and industrial and real estate stocks rose.

North Korea's latest missile test has raised political tensions and hit Asian share markets, including in Australia.