The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a nervous yet positive end to the trading week this Friday.
After yesterday's drop, investors didn't seem to know what to do for most of the day, but the ASX 200 ended up closing 0.16% higher by market close. That leaves the index at a flat 7,982 points as we head into the weekend.
This tentative end to the ASX's trading week follows a more negative session over on the American markets this morning.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) retreated by a convincing 0.37%
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't any better, dropping 0.53%.
But let's get back to the happier market now and take a look at what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors.
Winners and losers
Despite the market's rise, we still had a few sectors that went backward today.
The worst of those sectors were tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had a rough one, crashing 2.16% lower.
We could say the same for real estate investment trusts (REITs), with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) diving 1.6%.
Healthcare stocks weren't in form either. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) took a 0.42% bath this session.
Consumer discretionary shares were our final losers, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.02% slip.
Turning to the winners now, the standout sector this Friday was gold shares. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) ran very hot, rocketing 3.36% higher.
Consumer staples stocks were in the spotlight too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) surging 0.91%.
Energy stocks fared well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) leaping 0.81% higher.
Industrial shares were also in demand. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) saw its value rise by 0.6%.
Financial stocks joined the ASX party as well, as you'll see from the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.51% lift.
Communications shares got an invite too. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) bounced up 0.49%.
Mining stocks were right behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) gaining 0.39%.
Finally, utilities shares didn't miss out either, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s 0.22% bump today.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's best stock was gold miner Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS). Ramelius shares galloped 6.93% higher today to finish at $2.47 each.
There wasn't any news out of the company itself this Friday. However, all gold shares ran hot today (as you can see below) thanks to a new record high for the precious metal.
Here's a look at the rest of those top shares:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) | $2.47 | 6.93% |
| Spartan Resources Ltd (ASX: SPR) | $1.94 | 6.30% |
| Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) | $3.90 | 4.56% |
| West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) | $2.39 | 4.37% |
| De Grey Mining Ltd (ASX: DEG) | $2.17 | 4.33% |
| Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) | $18.63 | 3.85% |
| Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) | $0.46 | 3.37% |
| Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) | $7.20 | 3.30% |
| Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI) | $4.08 | 3.29% |
| Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) | $3.34 | 3.09% |
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.
