The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed a happy end to the trading week this Friday, recording a solid rise that erased some of the nasty falls that we saw yesterday.
It was clear from market open that investors were feeling a renewed sense of optimism, with the ASX 200 opening in green territory and staying there all day. By the time the markets closed, the index had lifted 0.79% to 8,682.1 points as we head into the weekend.
This pleasant end to the Australian trading week followed a tentatively positive night over on the American markets.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) managed to record a slight rise of 0.04%.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared almost identically, gaining 0.039%.
Let’s return to the local markets now though, and take a closer look at how the different ASX sectors fared amid today’s trading.
Winners and losers
There were only a couple of sectors that weren’t lifted by the tide of optimism that we saw today.
The first, and worst, of those sectors were real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) was hit hard, slumping 1.63%.
Healthcare stocks were the other unlucky corner of the markets, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) sliding 1.1%.
It was all smiles everywhere else, though.
Leading the charge higher this Friday were tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) certainly had a day to remember, rocketing by 4.45%.
Energy stocks also ran hot, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)’s 1.48% surge.
Mining shares were in demand too. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) soared 1.14% today.
Next came consumer staples stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) shooting up 1.05%.
Financial shares were in that ballpark as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) galloped 1.03% higher.
Consumer discretionary stocks weren’t left out, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.85% jump.
Nor were utilities shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) lifted 0.73% this session.
Communications stocks proved popular, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) adding 0.54% to its ledger.
Industrial shares put on a decent show. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) advanced 0.45% today.
Finally, gold stocks held their value, as you can see by the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD)’s 0.45% bump.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
High-flying tech Stock Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS) took out today’s top spot on the index charts. Elsight shares exploded 12.95% higher this session to finish the week at $5.32 each. That was despite no fresh news or announcements out from the company recently.
Here’s the rest of today’s best:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS) | $5.32 | 12.95% |
| Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) | $22.34 | 10.32% |
| Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL) | $13.61 | 7.76% |
| Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) | $20.40 | 7.03% |
| WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) | $33.43 | 6.67% |
| DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) | $1.83 | 6.41% |
| Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) | $57.85 | 4.59% |
| Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE) | $30.52 | 4.45% |
| QBE Insurance Ltd (ASX: QBE) | $23.81 | 4.20% |
| IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) | $2.40 | 3.90% |
Enjoy the weekend!
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 DroneShield, Life360, Megaport, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Data#3. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.