It was a strong Wednesday for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which shook off the malaise that we saw yesterday to push substantially higher.
By the closing bell, the ASX 200 had surged by a healthy 0.51%, leaving the index at 7,819.6 points.
Today's pleasing performance follows a more sombre night of trading up on Wall Street last night.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a weak session, slipping by 0.08%.
It was even worse for the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), which took a 0.42% bath.
But let's get back to happier things with a look at how the different ASX sectors went on the local markets today.
Image source: Getty Images
Winners and losers
It was almost all smiles on the ASX this Wednesday, with only two sectors recording a loss.
The first and worst of those were tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was singled out for punishment by investors, losing 0.53% of its value.
Utilities stocks were the other sector investors abandoned. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) ended up dropping 0.17%.
But it was all gravy for every other corner of the market.
Leading the winners of this session were consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) had a great time today, surging by 1.35%.
Healthcare stocks were right behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) soaring 1.28%.
Industrial shares weren't far off either. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) leapt 1.22% higher by the time trading wrapped up.
Gold stocks also proved to be a winner. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) added to yesterday's gains with a rise of 1.21%.
After gold, we had financial shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) was less enthusiastic, but still managed to bank a lift of 0.58%.
Consumer discretionary stocks weren't left out. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) enjoyed a 0.35% upgrade from investors.
Nor were ASX mining shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) getting a 0.18% bump.
Communications stocks were close behind that, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.17% uptick.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) weren't upsetting the apple cart. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) enjoyed a gain of 0.13% this Wednesday.
Our final winners were energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) managed to inch 0.11% higher by the closing bell.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's crown goes to gold stock Emerald Resources N.L. (ASX: EMR). Emerald shares pushed 5.43% higher today to finish up at $2.91 each.
There wasn't any news out of the company, but higher gold prices have been lifting precious metal miners of late.
Here's a list of the rest of today's top index performers:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Emerald Resources N.L. (ASX: EMR) | $2.91 | 5.43% |
| Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI) | $3.86 | 3.76% |
| Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB) | $16.08 | 3.41% |
| Johns Lyng Group Ltd (ASX: JLG) | $6.23 | 3.33% |
| Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ) | $9.43 | 3.29% |
| West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) | $1.17 | 3.08% |
| Downer EDI Ltd (ASX: DOW) | $5.07 | 3.05% |
| Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) | $2.16 | 2.86% |
| AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) | $1.155 | 2.67% |
| New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) | $4.46 | 2.53% |
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.
