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.
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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.
