It was yet another rosy day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Thursday. After climbing every single day this week thus far, the ASX 200 made it four-for-four today with a 0.47% rise. That leaves the index at 8,861.7 points.
This positive momentum on the ASX follows a more negative morning over on Wall Street for American investors.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn't quite get ahead, dropping 0.086%.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was hit even harder, copping a nasty 1% fall.
But let's get back to the local markets now and check out how the various ASX sectors fared amid today's pleasant trading conditions.
Winners and losers
Despite the market's lift, there were plenty of sectors that went backwards.
Leading those losers were tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was slammed this session, cratering 2.23%.
Gold stocks suffered too, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) tumbling 0.52%.
Utilities shares were unlucky as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) had 0.41% taken off its total today.
Consumer staples stocks were no safe haven either, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 0.23% retreat.
Communications shares couldn't square the circle either. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) ended up sliding 0.18% lower.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were our last losers, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) slipping 0.1% lower.
Turning to the winners now, it was mining stocks that led the charge higher. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) soared up a healthy 1.09% this Thursday.
Healthcare shares ran hot too, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.62% jump.
Financial stocks also saw some decent demand. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) galloped up 0.53% today.
Energy shares were only just behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) leaping 0.52%.
Consumer discretionary stocks fared decently as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) added 0.41% to its value this session.
Finally, industrial shares round out our list, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.2% increase.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Our index winner this Thursday was mining stock South32 Ltd (ASX: S32). South32 shares stormed 4.55% higher this session to finish at $4.14 each.
There wasn't any news out of the company today. Saying that, most mining shares put on a spectacular show.
Here's how the other best performers from today's session landed their planes:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) | $4.14 | 4.55% |
| BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL) | $31.00 | 4.17% |
| Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA) | $7.31 | 2.81% |
| DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) | $4.08 | 2.77% |
| BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) | $49.37 | 2.60% |
| ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) | $37.32 | 2.58% |
| New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) | $4.44 | 2.54% |
| Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK) | $25.43 | 2.54% |
| ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) | $38.95 | 2.42% |
| Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) | $2.16 | 2.37% |
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.
