Today was an exceptional start to the week's trading for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).
The ASX 200 finished the day's trading up a healthy 0.74%, leaving the index at 8,344.4 points.
This happy Monday for ASX shares followed a positive finish to the American trading week on Saturday morning (our time).
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) eked out a positive session with its 0.085% uptick.
But the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was more enthusiastic, rising by 0.63%.
Time now to return to this week and our local market with a look at what the different ASX sectors were up to.
Winners and losers
There was only one sector that missed out on investors' optimism this Monday.
That unlucky corner of the market was tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had a day to forget, slumping a hefty 2.97%.
But it was all smiles everywhere else.
Leading the winners were gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was once again on fire today, exploding 3.74% upwards.
Broader ASX mining shares also had a great day, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) rocketing 1.44% higher.
The commodity theme continues with energy shares coming in next. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) soared 1.25%.
Consumer discretionary stocks also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) galloped up 0.96%.
We can say the same for healthcare shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) leaping 0.85%.
After healthcare, we had real estate investment trusts (REITs), as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.83% surge.
Financial shares were popular as well, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.72% jump.
Utilities stocks also joined the winning party. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) rose 0.68% this Monday.
Industrial stocks were in the same ballpark, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) rising 0.24%.
Communications stocks weren't quite as in demand. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) put on 0.22%.
Our final winners were consumer staples shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) rising 0.19%.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's winner was automotive company Amotiv Ltd (ASX: AOV). Amotiv shares vaulted a huge 10.21% higher today to finish at $11.01 each.
This move may have been prompted by an announcement of an additional share buyback program at today's annual general meeting.
Here's a look at the rest of today's best shares:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Amotiv Ltd (ASX: AOV) | $11.01 | 10.21% |
| Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) | $2.47 | 7.39% |
| West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) | $1.71 | 7.21% |
| Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) | $3.76 | 6.21% |
| Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) | $1.56 | 5.76% |
| Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) | $0.39 | 5.41% |
| Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) | $5.30 | 5.16% |
| Emerald Resources Ltd (ASX: EMR) | $4.41 | 5.00% |
| Johns Lyng Group Ltd (ASX: JLG) | $4.09 | 4.60% |
| Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) | $13.01 | 4.16% |
Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.
