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.
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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.
