The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed an encouraging end to the trading week this Friday, in what will be a very welcome move for investors.
For most of this week, the ASX 200 had been losing steam. But today changed all of that, with the index giving a rosy 1.02%, leaving it at 7,421.2 points.
This return to form for the ASX follows a strong night of trading up on the American markets last night.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) also returned to green territory, banking a gain of 0.54%.
It was even better for the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), which enjoyed a 1.35% bounce.
But returning to the local markets now, let's check out what the different ASX sectors were up to today.
Image source: Getty Images
Winners and losers
As you might expect, we only had a single loser this Friday amongst the various ASX sectors.
That was the utilities space. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) had a disappointing time, shedding 0.48% of its value.
But that's it for the losers.
Turning to the winners now, and the best place to have had money invested in today was in tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had an absolute corker, rocketing by 3.01%.
Next, we had healthcare stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) lived up to its name today, rising by 2.13%.
Consumer discretionary shares weren't quite as bubbly, but the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) still managed a respectable rise of 1.2%.
Right behind that were ASX energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) vaulted a pleasing 1.18% higher by close of trading.
Financial stocks also had a great day, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s rise of 1.09%.
Communications shares came in next. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) was also on fire, rising by 0.94%.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) had a party as well, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s gain of 0.93%.
Industrials were making investors happy too. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) managed to bank a rise of 0.83%.
Consumer staples stocks were another bright spot. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) vaulted 0.65% higher by the end of the day.
Mining shares were pushing the index up too. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) managed to add 0.42% this Friday.
Our final winner was the gold sector. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) almost entered red territory but snatched a win by inching 0.09% higher.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's winning company turned out to be gaming giant Lottery Corp Ltd (ASX: TLC).
Lottery Corp shares rocketed a pleasing 6.02% up to $4.93 each, despite no official news out from the company itself.
Here's a look at the rest of the best shares from today's trading:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Lottery Corp Ltd (ASX: TLC) | $4.93 | 6.02% |
| Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) | $114.73 | 4.80% |
| Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT) | $3.70 | 4.52% |
| PEXA Group Ltd (ASX: PXA) | $10.87 | 4.52% |
| Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN) | $1.675 | 4.04% |
| Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) | $8.11 | 3.84% |
| Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) | $4.27 | 3.64% |
| A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) | $4.32 | 3.35% |
| Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) | $99.69 | 3.20% |
| Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) | $42.60 | 3.15% |
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.
