The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) experienced a pleasant day's trading this Tuesday, rising heartily after yesterday's more tepid start to the trading week. The ASX 200 began in green territory this morning, and stayed there all day, eventually closing on a rise of 0.57%. That leaves the index at 8,735.7 points.
This sunny day on the Australian markets follows a similarly rosy start to the American trading week, up on Wall Street.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, gaining 0.18%
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was far more enthusiastic, though, jumping 1.05%.
But let's get back to the local markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors were treated by investors this Tuesday.
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Winners and losers
There were far more green sectors than red ones this session.
Leading the losers, though, were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was left out in the cold today, slumping 2.9%.
Gold shares were also neglected, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) tumbling 0.8%.
Consumer staples stocks were no safe haven either. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) saw its value cut by an unlucky 0.13% today.
It was much better everywhere else, though. At the front of the pack this Tuesday were real estate investment trusts (REITs), illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 1.15% surge higher.
Mining shares also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) ended up leaping 0.91% higher.
Utilities stocks were just behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) soaring 0.9%.
Financial shares had a day to remember, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) enjoyed a 0.73% bounce this session.
Healthcare stocks weren't left out, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.63% lift.
Consumer discretionary shares were a little less excited. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) still managed a 0.33% advance, though.
Energy stocks got some love, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) adding 0.15% to its total.
As did communications shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) ticked up 0.14% today.
Finally, industrial stocks got over the line, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.05% improvement.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's best performer on the index was IGA supplier Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS). Metcash shares roared 4.88% higher today to close at $3.01 each.
This move came despite no obvious catalysts from the company this week.
Here's how the other winners pulled up at the kerb:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) | $3.01 | 4.88% |
| Arena REIT (ASX: ARF) | $2.08 | 4.79% |
| Alcoa Corporation Ltd (ASX: AAI) | $62.60 | 4.14% |
| Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX) | $2.29 | 3.15% |
| Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) | $0.83 | 3.11% |
| HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN) | $1.06 | 2.91% |
| Region Group (ASX: RGN) | $2.17 | 2.84% |
| Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) | $2.76 | 2.60% |
| AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) | $8.32 | 2.59% |
| Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) | $51.46 | 2.45% |
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.
