The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) staged a strong advance this hump day, driving the value of many ASX shares markedly higher. In what is shaping up to be a fairly optimistic week on the markets, the ASX 200 recovered from some early wobbles to decisively push upwards, banking a solid 0.92% rise by the time trading finished today. That leaves the index at 8,789.3 points.
This jubilant Wednesday for the Australian markets followed a far less rosy night over on the American bourse.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) sold down again, losing 0.26% of its value.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did a little better, but still lost 0.085%.
Let’s return to the local markets now and take a closer look at what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors this session.
Winners and losers
There was only one sector that was left behind in the stampede to higher ground.
That unfortunate sector was tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was left out in the cold, diving 0.41%.
It was much more exciting everywhere else.
Leading the charge higher this Wednesday were real estate investment trusts (REITs), with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) rocketing 3.6%.
Consumer discretionary shares were on fire, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) soared up 2.27%.
Communications shares ran hot as well, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 1.93% surge.
Industrial stocks also saw decent demand. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) galloped 1.65% higher.
Energy shares didn’t miss out, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) vaulting up 1.56%.
We could say the same for gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) jumped 1.35% this session.
Healthcare shares were a little less enthusiastic, though, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)’s 0.71% leap higher.
Mining stocks followed healthcare. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) saw its value get a 0.67% bump today.
Consumer staples shares came back from an early retreat, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) adding 0.57% to its total.
Utilities stocks fared decently as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) enjoyed a 0.48% lift.
Finally, financial shares managed to stay on the right side of the ledger, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)’s 0.27% dip.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today’s index winner was REIT LendLease Group (ASX: LLC). LendLease units roared 11.3% higher this Wednesday to close at $2.66. There wasn’t any price-sensitive news out of the REIT today, although most of its peers did very well.
Here’s how the other high-flyers landed their planes:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| LendLease Group (ASX: LLC) | $2.66 | 11.30% |
| Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) | $1.58 | 8.97% |
| Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) | $18.86 | 6.43% |
| Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) | $20.53 | 6.32% |
| Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) | $24.77 | 6.35% |
| Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) | $0.875 | 6.06% |
| REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) | $157.50 | 5.85% |
| Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) | $4.49 | 5.65% |
| Atlas Arteria (ASX: ALX) | $3.95 | 5.33% |
| DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) | $1.70 | 5.26% |
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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.