The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares endured a volatile, but ultimately negative start to the trading week this Monday. After opening in the red this morning, the ASX 200 did spend some time in green territory during intra-day trading, but couldn't quite hold on. By the time the markets closed, the index had lost 0.15% and finished up at a flat 8,831 points.
This bouncy start to the week's trading for Australian investors followed a mixed end to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a strong showing, rising a confident 1.14%.
However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was far more pessimistic, dropping 0.8%
But let's get back to this week and our local markets now for a checkup on how the different ASX sectors handled today's rough trading conditions.
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Winners and losers
There were a few sectors that escaped today's session intact.
But first, it was utilities stocks that suffered the most. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) saw its value cut by 0.79% this Monday.
Mining shares were also in the firing line, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) tanking 0.63%.
Consumer staples stocks were no safe haven. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) plunged 0.6% lower.
Nor were gold shares, illustrated by the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD)'s 0.57% dive.
Financial stocks had a rough one, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) retreated 0.33% today.
Industrial shares weren't spared either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) sinking 0.18%.
That's it for the red sectors, though, so let's check out the winners.
Leading said winners were healthcare stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) roared 1.5% higher over today's trading.
Tech shares also ran hot, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 0.93% jump.
Energy stocks were in demand too. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) bounced 0.45% higher.
Next came consumer discretionary shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) lifting 0.42%.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) escaped the selling as well. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) advanced 0.2% this Monday.
Finally, communications stocks came down on the right side of the ledger, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.19% improvement.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's convincing index winner was gold miner Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU). Vault shares rocketed 11.62% higher today to close at $5.09 each.
This significant jump followed the news that Vault had received an improved merger proposal from Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD), valuing the company at approximately $5.27 a share.
Here's the rest of today's best:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) | $5.09 | 11.62% |
| WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) | $35.37 | 7.31% |
| DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) | $2.52 | 4.56% |
| Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) | $1.38 | 3.38% |
| Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) | $17.38 | 2.96% |
| Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) | $83.36 | 2.86% |
| Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) | $127.86 | 2.32% |
| PEXA Group Ltd (ASX: PXA) | $8.73 | 2.22% |
| ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX) | $52.59 | 2.08% |
| Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) | $108.75 | 1.99% |
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.
