The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) posted a slight gain on Thursday, lifting 0.05% to close at 7,255.4 points.
It comes on the back of a strong session for the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ), which rose 2.9%.
It was helped along by shares in the market's biggest company BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) which had their best day in months, gaining 4% to close at $48.05.
Higher gold and iron ore prices also likely helped the sector. Gold futures price added 0.5% overnight to reach US$1,845.40 an ounce while iron ore futures lifted 0.8% to US$126.80 a tonne.
The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) also outperformed, increasing 1.4% after oil prices gained 1% overnight.
On the other hand, the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) fell 1.9%, with the big four banks coming in among its losers.
But which ASX 200 share came out on top of all others on Thursday? Let's take a look.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's top-performing stock was none other than mining giant South32 Ltd (ASX: S32). It rose 5.15% to close at $4.70.
These shares made today's biggest gains:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) | $4.70 | 5.15% |
| Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC) | $1.035 | 5.08% |
| Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) | $90.03 | 4.69% |
| New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) | $5.69 | 4.4% |
| Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) | $6.08 | 4.29% |
| Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) | $23.06 | 4.25% |
| Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) | $1.50 | 4.17% |
| Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) | $7.52 | 4.16% |
| Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) | $124.44 | 4.02% |
| BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) | $48.05 | 3.96% |
Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.
