The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured another poor run this Wednesday, giving back some of the massive gains we saw yesterday. By the close of trading, the ASX 200 had dropped by a not-so-nice 0.69%, leaving the index at 7,468.5 points.
This miserly showing from ASX shares follows an equally dour night over on the US markets last night.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) dropped by a hefty 0.42% in the American Tuesday session.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) managed to eke out a gain though, rising by 0.094%.
But back to the ASX now, and let's see how the various ASX sectors finished up the day's trading.
Winners and losers
It was a mixed bag on the ASX boards this Wednesday, with a helping of both winners and losers.
Starting with the losers, the worst place to have been invested today was in gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had a horrid day, tanking by 2.15%.
Miners weren't too far off of that. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) cratered by a nasty 2.1%.
Utilities shares came in next. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) ended up falling 1.11% by the closing bell.
Also on investors' noses was the consumer staples sector, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s fall of 0.84%.
Industrials weren't much better. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) ended up retreating by 0.66%.
Financial shares didn't escape the pessimism either. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) closed 0.6% lower today.
Energy shares weren't in favour, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) sliding 0.23%.
Our final loser was the communications sector. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) ended up slipping 0.06%.
Turning to the happier sectors, none were more jubilant than real estate investment trusts (REITs) this Wednesday. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) had a rosy day, climbing by a nice 0.69%.
Tech shares were also in demand, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s gain of 0.57%.
Healthcare shares had a healthy session as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) rising by 0.42%.
Consumer discretionary stocks were also a bright spot. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) closed the day 0.3% higher.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Alumina and aluminium stock Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC) took out the top ASX spot today for the second day in a row. Alumina shares rocketed a whopping 17.35% to $1.15 each.
It seems continuing goodwill from investors over the company's decision to shut production at its Kwinana refinery is to thank here.
Here's a look at how the rest of the best performers landed the plane:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC) | $1.15 | 17.35% |
| Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) | $1.175 | 10.85% |
| Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) | $4.95 | 6.91% |
| Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) | $9.78 | 3.93% |
| National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR) | $2.25 | 2.74% |
| Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA) | $2.65 | 2.71% |
| Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) | $1.55 | 2.65% |
| Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ) | $8.93 | 2.64% |
| Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) | $45.12 | 2.20% |
| Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) | $6.60 | 2.01% |
Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.
