Aussie shares gain, $A climbs above 66 US cents

Collins Foods was the biggest gainer in the ASX200 after a strong half-year performance. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

The Australian share market has finished higher, as traders digested a weaker-than-expected retail sales report for October that prompted a surge in the local currency.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index on Tuesday gained 27.6 points, or 0.39 per cent, to 7,015.2 , while the broader All Ordinaries rose 30.3 points, or 0.42 per cent, to 7,223.1.