
The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed another mild recovery day this hump day, adding to yesterday’s modest rise.
After a brief dip into negative territory this morning, the ASX 200 spent the rest of the day in the green, closing up 0.31%. That leaves the index at 8,640.6 points.
The optimism that we saw on the local markets this Wednesday followed a similarly optimistic morning on the American markets.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fared decently, gaining a timid 0.1%
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was more decisive though, rising 0.47%.
But let’s get back to the Australian markets now and check out what was happening amongst the different ASXÂ sectors this session.
Winners and losers
Today’s gains were almost universal, with only one sector missing out on a rise.
That red sector was, ironically enough, healthcare stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) was overlooked, slumping 0.7%.
But it was a party everywhere else.
Leading the winners this Wednesday were tech shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) surging 1.59%.
Utilities stocks fared relatively well, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) soared 0.89% higher today.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were just behind that, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)’s 0.87% spike.
Energy shares ran hot as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) galloped up 0.71%.
Industrial stocks also saw decent demand, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) jumping 0.66%.
Mining shares didn’t miss out. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) saw 0.47% added to its total by the closing bell.
Consumer staples stocks were hot on the miners’ tail, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 0.43% lift.
Communications shares were in that ballpark, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) saw a 0.4% improvement this hump day.
Financial stocks were a little more muted, though, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) improving by 0.08%.
Consumer discretionary shares were just behind that. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) ticked up 0.05%.
Finally, gold stocks squeaked over the line, illustrated by the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD)’s 0.01% bump.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Topping the ASX 200 charts this Wednesday was defence stock DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO). Droneshield shares rocketed 10.45% this session to close at $4.44 each.
This sizeable gain seemed to result from a new partnership announcement out from the company, which we dove into here.
Here’s how the other winners pulled up at the kerb today:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) | $4.44 | 10.45% |
| Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM) | $20.68 | 9.88% |
| Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) | $2.82 | 6.42% |
| Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) | $12.39 | 5.90% |
| New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) | $5.25 | 5.85% |
| DigiCo Infrastructure REITÂ (ASX: DGT) | $1.96 | 5.38% |
| Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) | $4.98 | 4.62% |
| Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) | $6.62 | 4.58% |
| Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV) | $12.79 | 4.24% |
| Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) | $2.11 | 3.94% |
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.
Should you invest $1,000 in DroneShield Limited right now?
Before you buy DroneShield Limited shares, consider this:
Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and DroneShield Limited wasn’t one of them.
The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*
And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…
* Returns as of 20 Feb 2026
.custom-cta-button p {
margin-bottom: 0 !important;
}
More reading
- 3 ASX healthcare stocks tipped to soar over 100% higher this year
- Electro Optic Systems just had its DroneShield moment. Here’s what investors should know
- Markets brace for the next shock as global tensions flare up
- Why EOS, Humm, New Hope, and Sims shares are storming higher today
- Why are Telix shares racing 8% higher today?
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 DroneShield and Telix Pharmaceuticals and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Premier Investments and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.