The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had an enthusiastic session this Wednesday, pushing higher and once again coming close to its all-time high.
After a shaky start this morning, the ASX 200 gained momentum throughout the day, closing with a healthy 0.6% rise. That leaves the index at 8,535.3 points.
This happy hump day for ASX shares comes after a mixed session over on Wall Street this morning.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, rising by 0.28%.
However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) went the other way, closing down 0.36%.
But let's return to the local markets now and see how the various ASX sectors fared amid today's positive trading conditions.
Winners and losers
Despite today's strong gains for the broader market, we still had a handful of sectors that went backwards.
At the forefront of those losers were gold shares. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was singled out for punishment this Wednesday, tanking 1.65%.
Tech stocks had a tough day as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) plunging 1.05%.
Mining shares fared a little better. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) still dropped 0.42% though.
Healthcare stocks also had another rough session, as you'll see from the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.25% dive.
Finally, the losers were bookended by real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) ended up slipping 0.07% this hump day.
Turning to the green sectors now, it was industrial stocks that came out on top. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) soared 1.93%.
Financial shares also cleaned up, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) surging 1.41% this session.
Consumer staples stocks were in the same boat, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 1.08% lift.
Energy shares ran hot, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) banked a 0.98% rise today.
Next up, we had consumer discretionary stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) bouncing 0.58% higher.
Utility shares put up a solid performance. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) added 0.15% to its value this hump day.
Finally, communications stocks wrangled out a win, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.02% inch higher.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
This Wednesday's winner, by a country mile, was registry services company Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU). Computershare stock shot up a huge 15.49% today to close at $41.53.
This big jump followed the company reporting its latest earnings this morning, which clearly dazzled investors.
Here's how the other top performers landed the plane today:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU) | $41.53 | 15.49% |
| Audinate Group Ltd (ASX: AD8) | $7.81 | 5.11% |
| Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) | $0.125 | 4.17% |
| Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE) | $2.88 | 2.86% |
| SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) | $53.07 | 2.75% |
| Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) | $165.98 | 2.36% |
| Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ) | $7.95 | 2.32% |
| JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) | $101.99 | 2.27% |
| Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) | $16.42 | 2.18% |
| Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) | $77.58 | 2.09% |
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.
