The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a downbeat Thursday session today, swinging rather wildly, but closing with a loss. By the time trading wrapped up, the ASX 200 had shed 0.098%, leaving the index at 8,550.8 points.
This miserly Thursday for the ASX comes after a mixed night over on Wall Street last night.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in a foul mood, shedding 0.25% of its value.
However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was more upbeat, recording a rise of 0.31%.
But let's return to ASX shares now and dig a little deeper into what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors this session.
Winners and losers
Despite the market's drop, we still saw a few sectors gain some ground.
Bur first, the losers.
Leading the red sectors today were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was singled out for punishment, plunging by 2.05%.
Gold shares had another shocker too, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) tanking 0.84%.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were rejected as well. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) took a 0.7% dive by the end of trading.
Industrial stocks were also left out in the cold, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.39% dip.
Consumer discretionary shares couldn't find buyers either. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) took a 0.12% hit today.
Utilities shares were in that ballpark too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) retreating by 0.06%.
We could say the same for consumer staples stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) lost 0.06% of its value this Thursday.
Financial shares couldn't hold the fort either, as you'll see from the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.03% slip.
Turning to the winners now, it was, fittingly, healthcare shares that were in highest demand. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) galloped up 0.44% today.
Mining stocks eked out a rise as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) lifting 0.16%.
Energy shares fared similarly. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) ticked up 0.13% this session.
Finally, communications stocks made the winner's cut, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.02% rise.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Healthcare stock Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6) was the index's standout performer today. Clarity shares had an exceptional day, rocketing 14.35% higher to finish at $2.39.
This happy pole vault came despite no obvious catalysts out from the company itself.
Here's how the rest of this Thursday's winners pulled up at market close:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6) | $2.39 | 14.35% |
| Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) | $3.73 | 6.88% |
| Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) | $13.31 | 6.14% |
| Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) | $1.32 | 5.62% |
| HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC) | $5.22 | 3.78% |
| Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) | $20.90 | 3.57% |
| ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB) | $32.00 | 3.33% |
| Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) | $6.06 | 3.24% |
| Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) | $0.70 | 2.94% |
| Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC) | $0.725 | 2.84% |
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.
