
The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a tough Thursday session today, dragging the value of many ASX shares lower. After what has been a relatively positive week for the share market, investors were not in a good mood today, with the ASX 200 opening sharply lower and staying down all session.
By the time trading wrapped up, the index had lost 0.71%, closing at a flat 8,702 points.
This rough day for the ASX followed a similarly bearish session over on the US markets.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was not in favour, losing 0.68% of its value.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even worse, diving 1.13%.
But let’s return to the local markets now though and dig a little deeper into what was happening with the different ASX sectors today.
Winners and losers
There were only a handful of sectors that managed to come out unscathed from today’s trading.
But first, it was gold stocks that were hit the hardest. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was smashed, tanking 2.25%.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were punished too, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) plunging 1.95%.
We could say the same for mining shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) cratered by 1.46% this session.
Communications stocks weren’t popular either, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 1.07% tumble.
Financial shares weren’t riding to the rescue. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) had 1.07% shaved from its value.
Industrial stocks were our last losers of the day, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) dipping 0.2%.
Turning to the green sectors now, it was energy shares that were treated the most kindly. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) saw its value surge 1.17% this Thursday.
Consumer staples stocks held their value too, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 0.36% rise.
Utilities shares were also in that ballpark. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) jumped 0.29% today.
Tech stocks were right behind, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) advancing 0.25%.
Healthcare shares tied that result. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) also added 0.125% to its value.
Finally, consumer discretionary stocks managed to stay above water, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.09% bump.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Our Thursday winner was retail stock Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV). Premier shares rocketed 7.08% higher today, finishing up at $11.95 each.
This big move came after the company reported its full-year results, which clearly impressed the market.
Here’s how the other top stocks landed their planes:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV) | $11.95 | 7.08% |
| Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL) | $23.13 | 6.84% |
| Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) | $48.33 | 6.20% |
| Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS) | $5.16 | 5.74% |
| Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL) | $11.31 | 2.35% |
| Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN) | $43.71 | 2.20% |
| BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL) | $30.70 | 2.30% |
| TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) | $29.65 | 2.14% |
| Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) | $30.56 | 2.10% |
| Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) | $8.55 | 1.79% |
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.
The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ansell, Data#3, and Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.