Aussie shares finish higher but miners drag

The local share market has finished slightly higher, with its stronger afternoon gains fading amid weakness from the mining and energy sectors.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index, which had been up by as many as 49.8 points about midday, closed Wednesday just 10.5 points higher at 8,187.4, a gain of 0.13 per cent.

The broader All Ordinaries rose 13.1 points, or 0.16 per cent, to 8,456.8.

The Australian dollar was buying 67.46 US cents, from 67.25 US cents at Tuesday's ASX close.