BHP leads Australian shares higher as retail sells off

Australia's share market has had a positive day after a strong lead from the mining sector. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia's share market has pared early gains for a modest advance, despite BHP counterbalancing an underwhelming day for the bourse.

The S&P/ASX200 rose 32.6 points on Wednesday, up 0.37 per cent, to 8,841.1, as the broader All Ordinaries gained 33.3 points, or 0.37 per cent, to 9,034.6.