It's been the third day in a row of gains for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), as of this Wednesday's close.
After recording rises over both Monday and Tuesday's sessions, the ASX 200 tripled up with a lift of 0.31% today. That puts the index at 7,848.5 points.
This happy hump day display follows a more tentative Tuesday up on the US markets overnight.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) recovered from a sharp dip to post a small loss of 0.023%.
However, things were happier on the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), which managed to climb 0.32%.
But returning to the ASX now, and it's time for a checkup on how the various ASX sectors were moving today.
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Winners and losers
Despite the market's good mood, there were still a few corners that weren't feeling the love this Wednesday.
The most obvious of those was the tech sector. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had a horrible time of it, sinking by 1.2% by the closing bell.
Gold stocks also had a day to forget. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) retreated by a meaningful 0.73% today.
Another losing group were financial shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) recording a 0.39% loss.
Energy stocks copped it as well, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 0.37% drop.
But that's it for the losers. Turning now to the winners, and it was real estate investment trusts (REITs) that came out on top. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) led the charge higher, surging by 1.17%.
Healthcare stocks got the silver medal, though. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) bounced 1.03% this Wednesday.
Mining shares fared well, too, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 0.85% pop.
As did industrial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) ended up soaring 0.76%.
Utilities shares were right behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) lifting by 0.69%.
Communications stocks enjoyed a strong day, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) got a 0.58% bump by the end of the day.
Consumer discretionary shares got an invite to the party as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) received a 0.39% upgrade.
Last up, we have consumer staples stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) still got a decent rise today, inching 0.1% higher.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Taking out today's pole position was miner Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX: SMR).
Stanmore shares shot up by a pleasing 6.31% today to $3.0 each. That was despite any fresh news or announcements out of the company.
Here's a look at the rest of today's winners:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX: SMR) | $3.20 | 6.31% |
| Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) | $2.83 | 4.81% |
| Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) | $1.35 | 4.25% |
| Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN) | $26.46 | 4.05% |
| Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) | $0.56 | 3.70% |
| Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN) | $1.185 | 3.49% |
| Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ) | $10.09 | 3.28% |
| Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) | $7.58 | 2.99% |
| Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: LYC) | $6.96 | 2.65% |
| Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH) | $24.22 | 2.50% |
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.
