It was another top day for ASX shares and the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) this Wednesday, making for a very happy hump day indeed.
By the end of trading, the ASX 200 had added another 0.31% to its total, meaning the index closed at a rosy 7,257.8 points.
This encouraging boost from the share market as we head into Christmas follows an equally bullish night of trading Stateside.
Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was lifted by 0.48% during the American trading session last night (our time).
Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did one better, rising by a robust 0.7%.
But time to come back home, so let's take stock of how the various ASX sectors traversed the share market today.
Winners and losers
Despite the overall optimism in the markets this Wednesday, we still had our fair share of red sectors.
Leading the sold-off sectors were gold shares. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had another day to forget, losing a nasty 2.07% of its value.
Energy stocks were also on the nose with investors. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) ended up losing 0.79% of its value.
Consumer staples shares weren't much of a safe haven either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) retreating 0.61%.
It was a similar story with communications stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) slid 0.45% by the closing bell.
Utilities shares were disappointing investors as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) slipping 0.33%.
Consumer discretionary shares were our final loser. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) closed out trading having fallen 0.08%.
Turning to happier sectors, today healthcare stocks took out the top spot. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) was in fine form, surging by 1.11%.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) came in next. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) ended up putting on 0.65%.
Financial shares were just behind, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) rising 0.63%.
ASX mining stocks were also having a grand old time today. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) helped lift the whole market with its gain of 0.28%.
Tech stocks didn't miss out either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) swelling by 0.13%.
Industrial shares were the last bright spot on today's report. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) banked a 0.11% move upwards.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
This Wednesday's winner was healthcare share Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU). Neuren shares vaulted 6.53% higher today to finish up at $17.14 each after hitting a new record high of $17.24.
That was despite no fresh news or announcements out of the company. However, Neuren shares are now up an extraordinary 59.9% since the beginning of November.
Here's a look at how the rest of today's top performers clocked in:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) | $17.14 | 6.53% |
| Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) | $1.545 | 5.46% |
| Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) | $0.48 | 4.35% |
| NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) | $7.72 | 3.76% |
| Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) | $25.70 | 2.80% |
| Auckland International Airport Ltd (ASX: AIA) | $7.95 | 2.58% |
| Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) | $23.84 | 2.45% |
| BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL) | $21.95 | 2.24% |
| Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) | $0.245 | 2.08% |
| AUB Group Ltd (ASX: AUB) | $27.45 | 2.04% |
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.
