The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has had a rather strange start to the trading week this Monday. This morning saw the index clock another new record high of 7,769.1 points.
However, as the day went on, investors lost confidence and retreated. By the time of the closing bell, the ASX 200 had descended into negative territory and closed at 7,735.8 points, down 0.13% for the day.
This odd start to the ASX's week follows a more bullish finish for last week's trading for the US markets on Friday night.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) sent American investors to the weekend in style, rising by 0.23%.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did better again, vaulting up by a solid 1.14%.
But let's return to the ASX this week with an analysis of how the various ASX sectors handled today's wild trading.
Winners and losers
We saw plenty of big moves both up and down, this Monday. Starting with the latter, it was healthcare shares that were most on the nose today. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) was again punished, this time by 0.78%.
Utilities stocks were also a sore spot for investors. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) had a rough time, falling 0.77%.
Mining shares were in the firing line too, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s decline of 0.72%.
Consumer staples stocks were another area investors were avoiding today. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) was slapped 0.62% lower.
Energy shares were close behind that, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 0.45% downgrade.
Industrials shares were also on the nose. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) was given a 0.41% whack by investors.
Our final losers were ASX consumer discretionary stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) ended up sliding 0.24%.
Turning now to the winners, gold shares came out on top this Monday. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had a party, rocketing up 4.18%.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) came in second, although not narrowly. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) surged a tamer 1.45% today.
Tech stocks were also in demand, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) rising 0.92%.
Financial shares had a great day too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) banking a lift of 0.33%.
Communications stocks were this Monday's final winner. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) enjoyed a mild 0.07% uptick this session.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's winner was gold share West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF). West African shares rocketed by a pleasing 7.78% today to 97 cents each.
There wasn't any fresh news out from the company itself, but, as you can see below, most ASX gold shares were on fire thanks to rising precious metal prices.
Here's a look at the rest of today's winners:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) | $0.97 | 7.78% |
| Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) | $1.70 | 7.59% |
| Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) | $12.15 | 7.52% |
| Gold Road Resources Ltd(ASX: GOR) | $1.585 | 6.73% |
| Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) | $1.87 | 6.25% |
| Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) | $1.925 | 6.06% |
| Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) | $13.72 | 6.03% |
| Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) | $5.03 | 4.79% |
| Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) | $3.09 | 4.39% |
| Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX: CHN) | $1.22 | 4.27% |
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.
