The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares enjoyed another strong session this Tuesday, building on the momentum we saw yesterday that kicked off the trading week.
After a downbeat start to trading this morning, investors regained confidence after lunchtime, and ended up sending the ASX 200 up a healthy 0.6% by the time the markets closed. That leaves the index at 8.974.8 points.
This happy Tuesday for the local markets comes after the more nuanced start to the American trading week that we saw play out last night (our time).
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in a good mood, gaining a solid 0.51%
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't so fortunate, though, dropping 0.18%.
But let's return to the Australian markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors navigated today's trading.
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Winners and losers
Despite today's buoyant showing from the broader market, we still had a few corners that went backwards.
Leading those losers were gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was punished today, slumping 1.51%.
Broader mining shares were on the nose too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) dipping 1.36%.
Our other red sector today was utilities stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) saw its value slide 0.06% lower this session.
It was all smiles everywhere else though. Leading the charge higher were consumer discretionary shares, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 2.68% surge.
Communications stocks also had a day to remember. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) roared 2.55% this Tuesday.
Healthcare shares were in that ballpark too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) soaring up 2.26%.
Energy stocks recovered from an early slump. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) ended up banking a 1.6% improvement.
Consumer staples shares saw decent demand, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 1.31% jump.
We could say the same for tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) lifted 1.2% this session.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) didn't miss out either, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) leaping up 1.13%.
Financial shares ran hot as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) advanced 1.19% today.
Finally, industrial stocks didn't miss out on the positive sentiment, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.43% rise.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Energy stock Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) was our best share on the index this Tuesday. Viva stock rallied 8.61% this session to finish at $2.65.
This jump came after the company delivered a well-received earnings update to investors.
Here's how the other winners landed their planes:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) | $2.65 | 8.61% |
| WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) | $34.71 | 8.06% |
| Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK) | $14.06 | 6.84% |
| Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) | $22.84 | 6.73% |
| Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) | $116.86 | 6.53% |
| Car Group Ltd (ASX: CAR) | $26.38 | 5.52% |
| Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) | $6.13 | 5.15% |
| Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) | $12.64 | 5.07% |
| Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) | $119.88 | 4.70% |
| Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) | $22.59 | 4.63% |
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.
