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.
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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.
