Australian shares finish strong after shaky start

The ASX has finished higher as the market prepares for inflation figures to be delivered. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia's banks have lifted the local bourse after a weak start, with IT stocks also rising on the eve of expected softening inflation figures.

The S&P/ASX200 on Tuesday rose 46.6 points, or 0.56 per cent, to 8,407.6, as the broader All Ordinaries gained 42.7 points, or 0.5 per cent, to 8,634.5.