The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) continued its November form this Thursday with another positive day of share market gains. By the closing bell, the ASX 200 had added another 0.28% to its value, closing the session back over 7,000 points at 7,014.9 points.
This encouraging day of trading follows a mixed bag over on the US markets in overnight trading.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a wild day, swinging from an early gain to a loss of 0.12%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) managed a tentative win though, rising by 0.077%.
Back to the local markets now though, let's check out how the various ASX sectors fared amid this decent showing of the Australian stock market.
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Winners and losers
Right out of the gate, the worst place to be this Thursday was in ASX tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had a day to forget, losing a nasty 4.83% of its value.
Continuing its recent losing streak was the gold sector today. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had another shocker too, cratering by 1.66%.
Following gold stocks were energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) retreated by 0.91% this Thursday.
ASX consumer staples stocks were another sore point. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) ended up closing 0.21% lower.
But that's it for the losers. Turning to the winners, and the best place to be this session turned out to be in healthcare shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) had a strong day, shooting up by 0.98% by market close.
Communications stocks were also in hot demand. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) rocketed by 0.9%.
Utilities shares came in next, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) rising 0.56%.
Consumer discretionary shares ended up being another bright spot. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) gained 0.48% today.
Financials stocks had a strong showing too, demonstrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s rise of 0.47%.
Mining shares were another corner of the market making investors happy. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) ended up growing by 0.45%.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) came in just behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) rising 0.29%.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Coming out on top today was ASX contractor NRW Holdings Ltd (ASX: NWH). NRW shares saw a healthy 4.03% boost up to $2.58 each.
That's despite a lack of any recent developments out of the company.
Here's how the rest of this Thursday's winning shares landed the plane:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| NRW Holdings Ltd (ASX: NWH) | $2.58 | 4.03% |
| Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU) | $4.28 | 3.13% |
| Virgin Money UK plc (ASX: VUK) | $3.18 | 2.91% |
| South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) | $3.20 | 2.89% |
| Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI) | $15.48 | 2.79% |
| Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) | $80.97 | 2.66% |
| Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) | $2.96 | 2.42% |
| West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) | $0.845 | 2.42% |
| Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA) | $2.54 | 2.42% |
| Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) | $7.42 | 2.49% |
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.
