The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had an extraordinary session on Thursday, raking in a massive surge that sent ASX shares up to a five-month high.
By the closing bell, the ASX 200 had rocketed by a pleasing 1.65%, which pulled the index not only above 7,300 points, but close to 7,400, ending the day at 7,377.9 points. That's the highest level the index has seen since August.
This euphoric surge for the Australian share market comes after an equally bullish night up on the US markets overnight.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) roared upwards, closing a happy 1.4% higher.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) p[rformed almsot identically, closing up 1.38%.
But let's get back to the ASX now by taking a look at how the various ASX sectors celebrated this rush of enthusiasm.
Winners and losers
We didn't even have one sector that took a backward step this happy Thursday.
Leading the charge higher this session were gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had an absolute firecracker, rocketing a whopping 5.6%.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were next up. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) wasn't quite as bombastic, but still surged by 3.92%.
ASX tech shares also partied hard. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) vaulted 2.90% higher by closing time.
Then we had mining shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) rose by an enthusiastic 2.35%.
Communications shares didn't miss out either, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s rise of 2.21%.
Following communications, there were consumer discretionary stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) ripped up by 1.37%.
Then there was the healthcare sector. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) pushed 1.36% higher.
Energy shares were excited as well, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s gain of 1.27%.
Utilities shares weren't letting down the team, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) lifting by 1.23%.
Then we had ASX financial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) helped boost the index with a rise of 0.97%.
Our last two winners for the day were industrial shares and consumer staples stocks. Even the worst sectors today were giving out good vibes. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) and the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) were pumped up by 0.82% and 0.63% respectively today.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
ASX REIT Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) tool out today's coveted top spot.
Charter Hall units surged by a massive 11.78% by close of trading to $12.34. That was despite a complete lack of any fresh news or announcements from the REIT.
Here's how the rest of today's venerable winners pulled up:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) | $12.34 | 11.78% |
| IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) | $8.37 | 11.30% |
| Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT) | $3.99 | 10.53% |
| Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) | $10.06 | 9.95% |
| Emerald Resources N.L. (ASX: EMR) | $2.80 | 9.80% |
| Centuria Capital Group (ASX: CNI) | $1.72 | 9.21% |
| Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA) | $0.06 | 9.09% |
| West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) | $0.92 | 8.88% |
| Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC) | $0.875 | 8.70% |
| Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) | $3.79 | 8.60% |
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.
