The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed an enthusiastic end to the trading week this Friday, giving investors a tangible boost as we head into the weekend.
After spending all day in positive territory, the ASX 200 finished up at 8,295.1 points today, enjoying a healthy 0.84% lift.
This rewarding day for ASX shares comes after a more mixed morning on the American markets.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a wild session, and finished 0.0013% lower.
Things were far better on the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) though, which lept 1.51% higher.
But let's get back to ASX shares now and examine what happened in the various ASX sectors this Friday.
Winners and losers
It was almost all smiles on the ASX this Friday, with only one sector recording a backward step.
That sector was energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was left out in the cold today, dropping 0.48%.
It was all gravy everywhere else though. Leading the charge higher were gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had a blast, rocketing up 2.17%.
The same could be said of tech shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) surging 1.76% higher.
Consumer discretionary stocks were in fine form as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) exploded 1.29% upwards.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) also had a winner, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 1.11% rise.
Joining the party were healthcare shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) soared up 1.03%.
Financial shares also got an invite to said party, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) surging 0.94%.
ASX consumer staples stocks enjoyed a pleasing gain. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) ended up galloping 0.87% higher.
Utilities shares were running hot today too, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s 0.73% lift.
Mining stocks also enjoyed a nice return this Friday. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) got a 0.69% bump.
Communications shares ran a little cooler though, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) gaining 0.42%.
Finally, industrial stocks round out our list. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) ticked up 0.28%.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Finishing on top of the index this Friday was healthcare stock Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU).
Neuren shares had an explosive day, finishing 15.07% higher at $16.57 a share.
As we went into this afternoon, this gain came after the company reported its latest quarterly earnings, which clearly delighted investors.
Here's a look at the rest of today's winners:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) | $16.57 | 15.07% |
| Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) | $6.23 | 4.88% |
| Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) | $2.24 | 4.67% |
| Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) | $0.225 | 4.65% |
| Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) | $2.54 | 4.53% |
| Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) | $3.25 | 4.50% |
| Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) | $23.79 | 4.43% |
| JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) | $85.00 | 3.90% |
| Audinate Group Ltd (ASX: AD8) | $9.48 | 3.49% |
| Lifestyle Communities Ltd (ASX: LIC) | $9.09 | 2.94% |
Enjoy the weekend!
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.
