The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) overcame a slow and shaky start this morning to post a convincing gain by the close of trading this Thursday.
After falling at market open, the ASX 200 recovered during afternoon trading and posted a pleasing gain of 0.5%, leaving the index at 7,698.7 points.
This late burst of optimism for ASX shares follows a more negative night of trade up on the American markets last night (our time).
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a fairly negative session, but closed just 0.06% lower.
It was a bit worse for the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) though, which sank a more decisive 0.55%.
But returning to the local markets now, and it's time for a checkup of how the various ASX sectors navigated this Thursday's trading.
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Winners and losers
It was a cracking day almost all around for ASX shares, with only one sector taking a backwards step today.
That unlucky sector was utilities shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) was singled out, losing 0.33% of its value.
Meanwhile, every other sector advanced.
The most enthusiastic jumper was the real estate investment trusts (REIT) space. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) had a fantastic time, shooting up 1.67%.
As did the gold sector. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) surged by 1.46%.
Consumer discretionary shares were in demand as well, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s rise of 1.29%.
We can say the same for tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was on fire too, bouncing 0.86%.
Communications shares came next. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) enjoyed a lift of 0.84% this Thursday.
Consumer staples stocks were another bright spot, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 0.56% bump.
Healthcare shares were being snapped up by investors too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) increasing by 0.51%.
Industrial stocks got an invite to the party as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) got a 0.47% upgrade by the end of the day.
Mining shares were getting bought up this Thursday. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) saw its value get a 0.3% push higher.
Energy stocks were just behind that. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) recorded an uptick of 0.26%.
Our final gainer was the financial space. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) vaulted up 0.19%.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
The index winner this Thursday was tech stock Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT).
Weebit shares had a top day, rocketing 9.6% up to $4.34 each. That was despite no fresh news or announcements out of the company whatsoever.
Here's the rest of the top ten stocks of the day:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT) | $4.34 | 9.60% |
| Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) | $0.52 | 8.33% |
| Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) | $54.91 | 7.27% |
| Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) | $2.28 | 7.04% |
| Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) | $1.53 | 5.15% |
| South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) | $2.95 | 4.61% |
| Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) | $4.95 | 4.43% |
| Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL) | $8.41 | 4.21% |
| Centuria Capital Group (ASX: CNI) | $1.62 | 4.18% |
| Kelsian Group Ltd (ASX: KLS) | $6.04 | 4.14% |
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.
