The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has enjoyed another happy session this Wednesday, marking the second day in a row investors were treated to some pleasing gains.
By the end of today's session, the ASX 200 had risen by 0.29%, leaving the index at 7,035.3 points. It seems we might have the latest inflation figures to thank for this.
Today's encouraging showing from the local share market follows an equally bullish night of trading on Wall Street last night (our time).
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) recovered from its Monday blues with a rise of 0.24%.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared slightly better, lifting by 0.29%.
But back to the ASX now with a look at what happened with the various ASX sectors during today's trading.
Winners and losers
We thankfully had a lot more green sectors than red ones today.
But let's start with the latter.
The worst-performing space this Wednesday was the energy sector. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was a real drag on the markets, losing 0.76% of its value.
Utilities shares came in just behind that. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) slipped again today, shedding 0.6%.
It was also a rough day for financials stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) gave back 0.43% of its value.
That was followed by the consumer staples sector, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) sliding 0.24%.
Our final loser was the industrials space, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s loss of 0.06%.
Turning to our far more numerous winners, and these were led by a stunning rise from ASX gold shares. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had a cracker, rocketing a whopping 4.77%.
Tech shares were also delighting investors. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) shot up by 2.08%.
Healthcare stocks had a pleasing time of it too. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) gave investors a rise of 1.82% to chew on.
Consumer discretionary shares had a far better day than their staples counterparts, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) soaring 1.62%.
That was followed by real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) vaulted 0.97% higher by market close.
Communications shares were in demand as well, as shown by the 0.57% lift in the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ).
Mining stocks were the final winner from this Wednesday. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) still put on a good show and closed 0.27% higher.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's best performer was financial administration services provider Link Administration Holdings Ltd (ASX: LNK). Link shares put on an impressive 8.47% today to finish up at $1.345 each.
This company has been surging ever since its annual general meeting yesterday, which was accompanied by a pleasing update.
Here's the rest of today's happiest shares:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Link Administration Holdings Ltd (ASX: LNK) | $1.345 | 8.47% |
| Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH) | $22.20 | 7.87% |
| Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) | $1.925 | 6.65% |
| Emerald Resources N.L. (ASX: EMR) | $2.77 | 6.13% |
| Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) | $1.50 | 6.01% |
| Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) | $1.685 | 5.64% |
| Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) | $4.07 | 5.44% |
| Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) | $60.40 | 5.43% |
| West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) | $0.915 | 5.17% |
| IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) | $22.89 | 4.66% |
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.
