The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a rough mid-week session this Wednesday, building on the negativity we saw during yesterday's trading. After opening sharply lower this morning, the ASX 200 spent most of the session recovering. But it was not enough to break even. The index ended up closing 0.21% lower at 8,785.1 points.
This tough hump day for ASX investors followed a similarly bearish session on the American markets.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) did start well, but quickly lost all momentum to finish down 0.25%.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was more decisive, dropping 1.16%.
But let's get back to the Australian bourse now and dive a little deeper into what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors today.
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Winners and losers
Despite the market's loss, we still had a few corners of the market that managed to prosper today.
But first, it was again gold shares that copped it hardest. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had another bruising session, cratering by 2.36%.
Communications stocks were hit hard as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) plunging 2.1%.
Mining shares were also on the nose. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) took a 2% dive this Wednesday.
Tech stocks were in the firing line too, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 1.87% tumble.
Industrial shares came next. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) saw its value cut by 0.52%.
Healthcare stocks were our last losers, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) sliding down 0.32%.
Turning to the green sectors, it was energy shares that topped the tables. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) vaulted 3.25% higher this hump day.
Utilities stocks also had a day to remember, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s 1.22% spike.
Consumer staples shares proved to be a safe haven, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) surged up 1.04% this session.
Financial stocks attracted attention as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) leaping up 0.65%.
Next came real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) advanced 0.52% today.
Finally, consumer discretionary shares stayed out of trouble, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.4% jump.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
This Wednesday's winning stock was energy share Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR). Karoon shares roared 6.64% higher this session to finish at $1.45 each. There wasn't any news out from the company today, but most energy shares did very well.
Here's how the other top stocks tied up at the dock:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) | $1.45 | 6.64% |
| Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) | $7.50 | 5.78% |
| Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP) | $4.09 | 5.14% |
| Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) | $5.45 | 4.01% |
| LeandLease Group (ASX: LLC) | $3.12 | 4.00% |
| Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI) | $0.685 | 3.79% |
| Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR) | $1,72 | 3.30% |
| Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) | $2.22 | 3.26% |
| Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) | $28.87 | 3.22% |
| Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK) | $16.28 | 2.71% |
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.
