The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a spectacular end to the trading week this Friday, vaulting considerably higher to reach a new closing record.
By the time trading wrapped up today, the ASX 200 had gained a confident 0.85% after climbing as high as 8,416.4 points during intra-day trading. That leaves the index at 8,393.8 points as we head into the weekend, a new at-close record.
This euphoric session for the Australian markets comes after a decent day for the American markets in the early hours of this morning (our time).
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was on fire, shooting up 1.06%.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't quite so bullish though, and only inched up 0.033%.
But let's return to the ASX for a checkup to see how the various ASX sectors fared amid today's investor optimism.
Winners and losers
It should come as no surprise that most of the ASX's sectors rose in value this Friday.
The only sector that missed out was tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had an unusually awful session, collapsing by 4.45%.
But it was all smiles everywhere else. Energy stocks led the winners, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 2.3% surge.
Utilities shares also stood out. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) rocketed 1.44% higher today.
Healthcare stocks also had a great day, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 1.34% leap.
It was a fantastic Friday for gold shares. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) soared up 1.28%.
Industrial stocks were running hot too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) galloping 1.16% higher.
ASX financial shares were in demand as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) jumped 1.15%.
Mining stocks had a decent time today, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 0.84% lift.
Consumer staples shares were in form. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) bounced 0.77% higher.
As were real estate investment trusts (REITs), with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) gaining 0.76%.
Consumer discretionary stocks fared similarly. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) rose 0.65%.
Finally, communications shares eked out a win, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.06% inch higher.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's winner was dairy stock A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M). A2 Milk shares exploded a huge 13.31% higher today to finish at $5.45 each.
This dramatic jump came after A2 revealed a positive guidance update, as well as a new dividend policy.
Here are the other shares that topped the index this Friday:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) | $5.45 | 13.31% |
| Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) | $1.27 | 6.30% |
| Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) | $8.20 | 5.94% |
| Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) | $6.64 | 5.40% |
| Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) | $2.55 | 5.37% |
| Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI) | $23.30 | 5.33% |
| Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) | $3.07 | 3.72% |
| Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) | $146.99 | 3.62% |
| Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) | $6.91 | 3.60% |
| Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) | $39.05 | 3.44% |
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.
