The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed another strong day this Thursday, building on the stunning session we saw yesterday. By the time trading wrapped up, the ASX 200 had gained a solid 0.96%, leaving the index at 8,878.1 points.
This impressive showing from the local markets comes after a similarly jubilant night over on the American boards.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was on fire last night, shooting 1.2% higher.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even hotter, rising 2.02%.
But let's return ot the ASX now and check out how today's optimism filtered down into the different ASX sectors this session.
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Winners and losers
Today's strong swing lifted most, but not all, sectors higher.
The biggest losers were again energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) had another shocker, plunging 2.94% lower.
Utilities stocks were unlucky as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) crashing 1.6%.
Healthcare shares didn't fare well either. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) dipped down 1.12% by the closing bell.
Our last losers this Thursday were communications stocks, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.1% retreat.
Turning to the winners now, it was gold shares that starred in today's show. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) ended up rocketing up 4.68%.
Broader mining stocks were in high demand as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) soaring 3.68% higher.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were a little less enthusiastic. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) still managed a pleasing 0.69% bump.
Consumer staples shares were right behind that, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 0.66% jump.
Industrial stocks managed a strong showing, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) lifted 0.47% today.
We could say the same for financial shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) leaping 0.37% higher.
Consumer discretionary stocks made the cut as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) had appreciated 0.26% by the end of the session.
Finally, tech shares got over the line, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 0.24% uptick.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Titanium stock IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) beat out some stiff competition to take today's top spot. IperionX stock shot up a huge 10.25% this Thursday to finish up at $5.27.
Despite this sizeable jump, there wasn't anything from the company itself today.
Here's how the other top stocks from today tied up at the dock:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) | $5.27 | 10.25% |
| Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) | $10.03 | 9.38% |
| Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) | $4.86 | 9.21% |
| Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) | $12.94 | 8.47% |
| Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) | $5.99 | 8.12% |
| Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) | $6.26 | 7.93% |
| Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI) | $22.50 | 7.55% |
| NRW Holdings Ltd (ASX: NWH) | $7.14 | 7.05% |
| Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) | $12.50 | 6.84% |
| Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) | $13.20 | 6.33% |
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.
