By Roshan Thomas Dec 19 (Reuters) - Australian shares settled higher on Tuesday, driven by gains in commodity stocks, as investor appetite for risk improved after the country's central bank noted signs of easing inflation. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 .AXJO rose 0.8% to 7,489.1, its highest close since Feb. 9, also tracking a Wall Street rally as traders awaited a slew of U.S. data, including the November core personal consumption expenditure index report on Friday. Energy stocks .AXEJ rose 1%, as oil prices extended gains with Red Sea attacks disrupting global supply chains.