The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed a spirited afternoon recovery to post a gain this Wednesday, after a rough start this morning.
ASX shares opened deep in the red. But investors seemed to change their moods after the latest economic data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) was released.
Although this data showed gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowing over the December quarter, investors perhaps took this as a sign that interest rates might start coming down soon.
Whatever the cause, the ASX 200 ended the day with a slight gain of 0.12%, putting the index at 7,733.5 points.
This interesting hump day for the Australian markets follows a dire night up on Wall Street last night.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had an awful session, closing a chunky 1.04% lower.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) endured an even steeper loss, clanging down 1.65%.
But enough of that. Let's get back to ASX shares with a look at what the various ASX sectors were up to today.
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Winners and losers
The worst place to be this Wednesday was in tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had a horrid day, cratering by a nasty 1.44%.
Consumer staples stocks were on the nose too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) saw 0.59% wiped from its value.
ASX mining shares were right behind that, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s dip of 0.58%.
Then we had gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) gave up some of yesterday's stellar rises and dropped 0.44%.
Following gold were communications shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) went backwards by 0.23%.
Healthcare shares got an invite to the pity party as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) sliding 0.14%.
But that's it for the losers. Turning to the winners now, and leading the charge higher were financial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) vaulted 0.8% higher by the closing bell.
Utilities shares were another bright spot, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s gain of 0.54%.
Energy stocks also had some time in the sun today. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) surged 0.51% higher.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) weren't far behind, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) charging up 0.46%.
Consumer discretionary shares have investors some relief too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) had a reasonably comfortable day, eking out a lift of 0.35%.
Industrial shares again end our list this Wednesday. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) inched 0.24% higher by market close.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's index winner was none other than fund manager Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG).
Magellan shares jumped a pleasing 7.85% up to $9.21 each after the company released a promising funds under management update.
Here's where the rest of this Wednesday's winners landed:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) | $9.21 | 7.85% |
| Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX) | $0.215 | 4.88% |
| ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) | $12.79 | 3.98% |
| Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC) | $0.81 | 3.18% |
| AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) | $1.10 | 2.33% |
| Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) | $38.21 | 2.19% |
| Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) | $6.09 | 2.18% |
| GPT Group(ASX: GPT) | $4.36 | 2.11% |
| Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: AGR) | $0.52 | 1.96% |
| Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) | $15.62 | 1.91% |
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.
