The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a Garfield-esque start to the week's trading this Monday, kicking off the trading week on a decidedly sour note.
After initially plunging upon market open this morning, investors kept the ASX 200 in the red all day, and recorded a 0.34% loss for the session by the time the closing bell rang. That leaves the index at 8,482.8 points.
This tempestuous start to the Australian trading week comes after a torrid end to the American week on Saturday morning (our time).
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in freefall, tanking by 0.99%.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared even worse, slumping by 1.36%.
But let's return to this week and the ASX now and examine how the various ASX sectors handled today's tough trading conditions.
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Winners and losers
As one would expect, winners were few and far between this Monday.
Leading the losers were tech shares though. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was singled out for punishment today, cratering by 1.38%.
Communications stocks were also slammed, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) crashing 1.13% lower.
Mining shares had a rough one too. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) was sent home 0.71% lighter this session.
Industrial stocks woke up on the wrong side of the bed as well, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.51% dive.
We could say the same for consumer discretionary shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) suffered a 0.39% blow today.
Energy stocks weren't much of an improvement, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) dipping 0.31%.
Financial shares were sold off too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) sank 0.22% lower this Monday.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were right behind that, as you'll see from the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.17% slide.
But that's it for the losers.
Turning to the far fewer winners now, it was consumer staples stocks that were the place to be today. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) bucked the market with a 0.48% surge.
Utility shares were right behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) banking a 0.45% rise.
Healthcare stocks escaped the rat race too. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) rose by 0.31%.
Finally, gold shares were a safe haven of sorts, evidenced by the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD)'s 0.21% lift.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Topping the index this Monday was embattled casino operator Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR). Star shares had a blinder, shooting up 13.64% to finish at 12.5 cents each. This big jump in value followed a revelation that it has been hosting some potential new suitors.
Here's a look at the other top shares from today's trading:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) | $0.125 | 13.64% |
| Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN) | $37.77 | 8.13% |
| Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) | $149.94 | 7.85% |
| Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) | $1.42 | 4.03% |
| Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) | $5.81 | 3.75% |
| Dexus (ASX: DXS) | $7.55 | 3.28% |
| Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) | $34.24 | 2.24% |
| Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) | $7.06 | 1.88% |
| BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL) | $21.90 | 1.81% |
| Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR) | $1.99 | 1.79% |
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.
