The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) capped off the short trading week with a loud bang today, hitting yet another new all-time high.
By the time trading wrapped up, the ASX 200 had roared a convincing 0.99% higher and finished up at 7,896.9 points. But that was after the index clocked a new record of 7,901.2 points earlier in the day.
This strong showing for ASX shares comes after an enthusiastic night over on the US markets last night (our time).
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a cracker, leaping 1.22% higher.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't quite as euphoric, but still managed a respectable 0.51% increase.
But getting back to the local markets now, let's take a look at what the various ASX sectors were up to this Easter Thursday.
Winners and losers
It was an absolute whitewash (or more accurately, greenwash) on the ASX today, with every single sector recording a positive movement.
The worst sector, if you can even call it that, was the financials space. But no one will be complaining about the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s uptick of 0.38%.
Next, we had tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was just ahead, edging up 0.4%.
Healthcare shares didn't miss out either, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.5% bump.
Consumer staples stocks were another bright spot. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) banked 0.73% this session.
Their consumer discretionary counterparts also treated investors well. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) saw its value surge by 1.03%.
Energy shares had a corker as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was pushed 1.08% higher today.
Industrial stocks came in just above that, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 1.09% lift.
Utilities shares did better again. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) basked in investors' goodwill and appreciated 1.29%.
Communications stocks were a real winner. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) was given a 1.45% shot in the arm this Thursday.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were really on fire, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 1.73% rocket ride higher.
Mining shares were amongst the best performers today. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) soared by 1.8%.
But even that wasn't the best the ASX had to offer today. That honour goes to ASX gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was on fire and exploded 2.53% higher by the closing bell.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
As one might imagine, there was a bit of competition for the best-performing stocks on the index today. But the gold medal ended up going to energy share Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX). Strike stock careened 8.33% higher to finish the day at 26 cents a share.
It's not entirely clear why Strike shares bounced so much higher, but the company did announce a minimum holding share buyback program this morning, which may have boosted sentiment.
Here's how the rest of today's top shares landed the plane:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX) | $0.26 | 8.33% |
| Arcadium Lithium plc (ASX: LTM) | $6.78 | 8.31% |
| Alumina Ltd (ASX: AWC) | $1.42 | 5.97% |
| Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV) | $32.81 | 5.60% |
| Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) | $7.10 | 5.34% |
| Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) | $5.50 | 4.56% |
| New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) | $4.65 | 4.26% |
| Silver Lake Resources Ltd (ASX: SLR) | $1.24 | 4.20% |
| Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN) | $1.25 | 4.17% |
| Red 5 Ltd (ASX: RED) | $0.38 | 4.11% |
Happy Easter!
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.
