The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a negative session this Wednesday, falling after an initially strong start to the week. Despite an early surge this morning, investors lost their confidence as the trading day wore on.
The ASX 200 fell into negative territory just after 2 pm and never recovered, posting a 0.096% loss for the day. That leaves the index at 7,695.8 points.
This sobering hump day on the ASX comes after a far more encouraging night over on the American markets last night and this morning.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a great time, rocketing 0.83% higher.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't quite as enthusiastic, but still managed to bank a gain of 0.39%.
But returning to the ASX now, let's take stock of what the various ASX sectors were up to today.
Winners and losers
We saw far more losers than winners on the ASX boards this Wednesday.
The worst of those losers was the gold sector. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had a stinker, tanking 2.35% by the closing bell.
Tech shares had a rough time too, but the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s loss of 0.49% looks relatively tame compared to gold stocks.
Utilities stocks were also shunned by investors, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s fall of 0.48%.
Consumer staples shares had a rough time as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) dropped by 0.43%.
ASX mining stocks were another sore point. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) retreated by 0.18% today.
Next up we have financial shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) got a 0.16% markdown from investors.
Healthcare stocks had another poor session too, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.08% slump.
Lastly, industrial shares were left out in the cold. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) had an uneventful session, slipping by 0.06%.
Turning now to the green sectors, these were led by energy stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) gave a strong showing, bouncing 0.6% higher.
Communications shares were in demand too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) getting bumped up by 0.29%.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were safe from the market's bad mood. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) crawled up 0.03%.
Finally, consumer discretionary stocks had a relatively uneventful Wednesday, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.02% inch higher.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's hump day winner came in as uranium stock Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN). Paladin shares seemed immune from the market's bad mood, soaring 5.6% higher up to $1.32 a share.
That's despite no obvious catalyst or any fresh news out of the company.
Here's a look at how the rest of today's winners turned out:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) | $1.32 | 5.60% |
| Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) | $12.50 | 2.88% |
| Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) | $12.96 | 2.69% |
| Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) | $6.57 | 2.66% |
| REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) | $184.73 | 2.63% |
| PEXA Group Ltd (ASX: PXA) | $12.67 | 2.26% |
| Webjet Ltd (ASX: WEB) | $7.96 | 2.18% |
| Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) | $3.59 | 1.99% |
| Deterra Royalties Ltd (ASX: DRR) | $4.88 | 1.88% |
| New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) | $4.68 | 1.74% |
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.
