It was a strong start to the trading week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and most ASX shares this Monday. After a sobering conclusion to last week's trading, investors appear to have returned from the weekend with a spring in their steps.
The ASX 200 finished up today with a strong rise of 0.53%, leaving the index at 7,811.9 points.
This happy start to the week stands in contrast to how the American markets finished their week last Friday night (our time).
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a horrid time, losing a chunky 0.77% of its value.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared far better though, eking out a rise of 0.16%.
But let's return to ASX shares now, and take a look at how the different ASX sectors began their trading weeks this Monday.
Winners and losers
It was a party all around on the ASX today, with only one sector recording a drop.
That one sector was the consumer discretionary sector. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) did go backward, but only by a hair, dropping 0.01%.
All other sectors enjoyed a lift today.
The most enthusiastic of these gainers were real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) was on fire, rocketing by 1.78%.
Energy shares also had a ball, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 1.13% surge.
Healthcare stocks were in demand as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) soared a pleasing 1.01%.
Tech shares didn't miss out on the fun, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) bouncing 0.91%.
Then we had ASX communications stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) enjoyed a lift of 0.75%.
Mining shares were in strong form too. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) was given a 0.7% upgrade by investors.
Consumer staples stocks did better than their discretionary counterparts, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s rise of 0.2%.
Gold shares came in right behind that, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) getting a 0.19% boost.
Industrial stocks had a pleasant day too. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) had ticked up by 0.17% by the closing bell.
Financial shares were another bright spot. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) was sent 0.11% higher by investors today.
Our final winner was the utilities space. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) barely budged though, inching up 0.02%.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Despite the market's gains, today's winners were relatively subdued. Taking out the prime spot was gold stock West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF).
West African shares climbed by a solid 5.05% up to $1.145 each. There was no fresh news out of the company today, so this gain probably had something to do with bullish sentiment in the gold space.
Here's a look at the rest of today's list:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) | $1.145 | 5.05% |
| Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) | $14.92 | 3.90% |
| Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) | $1.745 | 3.87% |
| Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) | $99.90 | 3.85% |
| Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) | $33.24 | 3.71% |
| Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) | $25.50 | 3.49% |
| Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN) | $24.25 | 3.19% |
| Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI) | $12.05 | 2.99% |
| Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) | $8.87 | 2.78% |
| Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) | $8.93 | 2.76% |
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.
