The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed a strong start to the trading week this Monday, turning things around from the sour end to last week.
The ASX 200 appeared well-rested after the weekend when it lept out of the gates this morning. By the close of trade, the index had gained a confident 0.79%, leaving it at 7,788.3 points.
This happy Monday for ASX shares follows a decent night over on the US markets last Friday night for American investors.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a tentative session, inching 0.011% higher.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was on fire though, shooting up a rosy 1.1%.
But let's get back to the Australian markets now, with a look at how the various ASX sectors shaped up today.
Image source: Getty Images
Winners and losers
It was almost all smiles on the ASX boards today, with only one sector recording a drop.
That unlucky sector was energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was isolated today with its fall of 0.23%.
But all other sectors had a great day.
None more so than gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had a cracker, surging by 1.87%.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were on fire as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) shooting up 1.64%.
Communications shares came in third, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) soaring 1.36%.
Then we had consumer staples stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) flew 1.33% higher this Monday.
Its consumer discretionary counterpart was almost as sought after. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) enjoyed a 1.14% boost.
Industrial shares were running hot too, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.96% improvement.
Financial stocks were partying hard as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) ended up banking 0.84%.
Tech shares were a little less popular, but the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) still managed a healthy 0.61% increase.
Mining stocks were also getting buyers. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) got a 0.51% upgrade today.
Healthcare shares weren't left out. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) got a 0.38% lift this Monday.
Finally, utilities stocks were winners, although the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) 'only' managed to lift 0.27%.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
At the front of the ASX pack today was healthcare share Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU).
Neuren stock rocketed a huge 15.74% this Monday up to $23.97 a share. This leap comes after the company reported some pleasing results from a recent clinical trial.
And here's a look at the rest of today's top performers:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) | $23.97 | 15.74% |
| Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) | $6.36 | 7.98% |
| HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC) | $7.25 | 4.77% |
| Ingenia Communities Group (ASX: INA) | $4.93 | 4.45% |
| Emerald Resources N.L. (ASX: EMR) | $3.78 | 4.42% |
| Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) | $1.855 | 4.21% |
| IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) | $16.98 | 4.04% |
| Kelsian Group Ltd (ASX: KLS) | $5.46 | 4.00% |
| Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) | $4.34 | 3.58% |
| Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR) | $1.64 | 3.14% |
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.
