The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gave up an early lead to finish decidedly lower this Wednesday, perhaps a consequence of the latest inflation numbers out this morning. By the time trading wrapped up, the ASX 200 had slumped 0.13%, leaving the index at 8,396.9 points.
This unhappy hump day for ASX shares follows a far more upbeat return to trading for the American markets overnight after their long weekend break.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a strong session, shooting 1.78% higher.
It was even better for the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), which rocketed up 2.47%.
But let's get back to the local markets now for a look at what was going on amongst the various ASX sectors today.
Winners and losers
As one would expect, there were more red sectors than green ones this session.
Leading those red sectors were financial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) was sent packing, tanking by 0.7% today.
Mining shares had a day to forget as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) diving 0.39%.
Consumer staples stocks were right behind that. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) ended up losing 0.38% of its value this session.
Healthcare shares weren't much better, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.29% dip.
Gold stocks were unlucky as well. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) saw a 0.17% slide this Wednesday.
Our final losers were industrial shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) slipping 0.1% by the closing bell.
Turning to the winners now, it was energy stocks that led the charge higher. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) soared 2.22% this session.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) had a great day too, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 1.29% vault higher.
Tech shares ran hot as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had galloped up 1.22% by the close of trade.
Utilities stocks came next, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) gaining 0.62%.
Communications shares saw some demand. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) banked a 0.3% improvement today.
Our final winners were consumer discretionary stocks, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.13% bump.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's best share to have owned on the index was Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB). The travel stock managed to book a 12.39% boost to close at $5.26 a share.
This happy gain came after Web reported its full-year results for its FY2025, which clearly impressed the market.
Here's how the rest of today's top stocks pulled up at the dock:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) | $5.26 | 12.39% |
| Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG) | $5.44 | 6.88% |
| Block Inc (ASX: XYZ) | $96.19 | 4.86% |
| Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) | $21.49 | 3.82% |
| Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL) | $2.52 | 3.70% |
| Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) | $13.55 | 3.51% |
| Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) | $1.69 | 3.36% |
| Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) | $22.12 | 3.22% |
| EVT Ltd (ASX: EVT) | $16.04 | 3.22% |
| Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR) | $2.30 | 3.14% |
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.
