Australian shares close higher

Australian shares closed higher on Tuesday in spite of the country's mining stocks slipping and mixed performance in the financials.

At the close on Tuesday, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 18. 6 points, or 0.33 percent, higher at 5,697.9, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 17.6 points, or 0.31 percent, at 5,681. 9.

BHP Billiton fell 1.07 percent while rival Rio Tinto edged 0.34 percent lower with Fortescue Metals tumbling 4.57 percent. Gold miner Newcrest fell 3.23 percent.

In the finances, Westpac dropped 0.23 percent, the National Australia Bank fell 0.09 percent. However, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia rallied 0.76 percent while ANZ rose 0.31 percent.

Wesfarmers gained 1.56 percent while Woolworths was 0.42 percent higher.