These are the top 3 ASX 200 shares in the first week of 2023

The top three performing ASX 200 shares in the first week of 2023 are all focused on the same thing.

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S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are in positive territory again today. That sees the benchmark index up 0.8% in the first week of 2023.

Of course, not all ASX 200 shares have performed equally.

While the year is young, and we're not quite through the final trading day of week one, below are the top three performers so far.

Gold stocks shining bright

The number two and number three top-gaining ASX 200 shares so far in 2023 are both blue-chip gold producers.

Coming in at number three is Ramelius Resources Limited (ASX: RMS). The Ramelius share price is up 9.4% this week as we head into the lunch hour, currently trading for $1.02 per share.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Ramelius Resources PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

With an 11.8% share price gain this week St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) takes the number two spot. St Barbara shares are currently swapping hands for 87 cents.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3St Barbara PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

With no price-sensitive news out, both ASX 200 shares look to be beneficiaries of a rising gold price. Although bullion dipped overnight, it remains up 0.5% in the calendar year, currently trading for US$1,833 per troy ounce.

On Wednesday, the big gold stocks enjoyed some healthy tailwinds as gold prices hit US$1,855. That was up almost 14% since the recent 3 November lows.

The best ASX 200 share performer in 2023 to date

The winner by a nose is Silver Lake Resources Limited (ASX: SLR) which is up 12% in 2023 at the time of writing.

Silver Lake is also a gold miner and producer, with a market cap of just north of $1.2 billion.

With all three top-performing ASX 200 shares strongly focused on gold, it appears investors may be taking a bullish outlook on the demand for the yellow metal in the year ahead.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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