It was a very strong day indeed for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) this Thursday. After the disappointing session yesterday, it was back to the races for investors.
By the closing bell, the ASX 200 had added a confident 1.12%, pushing the index up to 7,782 points.
This happy day for ASX shares follows a roaring night over on the American markets for their Wednesday session last night.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had another stonking day, surging 1.03% higher.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better again, rocketing 1.25%.
But time now to return to the local market for a look at how the different ASX sectors spent their Thursdays.
Winners and losers
It was a party almost all around today, with only two sectors missing out on a rise.
The first of those was the utilities space. Investors gave the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) the cold shoulder, sending it down 0.59%.
Also missing out were healthcare shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) suffered a loss of 0.17% during today's trading.
But all other sectors had a great time.
None more than gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) recovered enthusiastically from yesterday's woes, soaring 3.78% higher.
ASX financial shares had a phenomenal day too, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 1.74% surge.
Consumer discretionary stocks were near the top of the list as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) banked a gain of 1.5%.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were another bright spot, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) vaulting 1.4% higher.
Tech shares were another sector worth being in today, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 1.09% bounce.
Mining stocks came in just behind that. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) saw its value increase by 1.04%.
Communications shares were running hot as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) lifting 0.68%.
Consumer staples stocks had a decent showing. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) enjoyed a rise of 0.63%
Finally, energy shares counted themselves amongst today's winners too. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) scored an uptick of 0.44%.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Coming in at pole position this Thursday was travel stock Webjet Ltd (ASX: WEB). Webjet shares were on a roll today, leaping 9.17% higher up to $8.69 each.
This followed the company's 'WebBeds Strategy Day', which clearly got investors in a good mood.
Here's how the rest of today's winners looked at the closing bell:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Webjet Ltd (ASX: WEB) | $8.69 | 9.17% |
| Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) | $1.99 | 8.15% |
| West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) | $1.10 | 7.84% |
| Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) | $1.73 | 7.12% |
| Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) | $13.27 | 6.16% |
| Red 5 Ltd (ASX: RED) | $0.355 | 5.97% |
| Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) | $1.395 | 5.68% |
| Emerald Resources N.L. (ASX: EMR) | $2.93 | 5.40% |
| Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) | $3.47 | 5.15% |
| Downer EDI Ltd (ASX: DOW) | $4.92 | 4.24% |
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.
