Today, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) left investors disappointed once more as markets made another move downwards. At the end of the session, the benchmark index finished 1.18% lower at 7,120.6 points.
Shareholders experienced firsthand the 54-day high in the volatility index today as the violent sways in Aussie shares continue. The most dramatic swing to the downside could be seen in the real estate sector, with a fall of 4.2%. Similarly, tech and mining shares had an unfruitful day, both sectors tumbling more than 2%.
In contrast, energy shares in the index received a boost today following a gain in oil prices overnight. The Brent crude oil price strengthened 1.5% to US$112.39 a barrel — setting up oil and gas shares on Monday.
However, the question is: which shares delivered the biggest returns to investors on the ASX today? Here are the top ten stocks that came through for investors:
Top 10 ASX shares countdown today
Looking at the top 200 listed companies, Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) was the biggest gainer today. Shares in the major bank added 3.23% following the publication of its half-year results which showed a continued focus on cost reductions. Find out more about Westpac Banking Corporation here.
The next best performing ASX share across the market today was Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC). The coal producer rallied 2.63% despite there being no price-sensitive announcements from the company. However, there was a backdrop of strength across energy shares today. Uncover the latest Whitehaven Coal details here.
Today's top 10 biggest gains were made in these ASX shares:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) | $24.60 | 3.23% |
| Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) | $5.08 | 2.63% |
| TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) | $5.70 | 2.33% |
| Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) | $67.60 | 1.98% |
| Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ) | $4.20 | 1.94% |
| Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC) | $18.08 | 1.52% |
| Iress Ltd (ASX: IRE) | $10.60 | 1.44% |
| Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) | $78.75 | 1.22% |
| Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) | $4.74 | 1.07% |
| Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: MND) | $1.675 | 0.90% |
Our top 10 ASX shares today countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to ensure you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check-in at Fool.com.au after the market has closed during weekdays to see which stocks make the countdown.
