It was a pleasing end to the trading week this Friday for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and most ASX shares.
After taking a dip yesterday, the ASX 200 was back to firing on all cylinders today. By the end of trade, the index had risen by a happy 0.35%, leaving it at 7,749 points as we head into the weekend.
This pleasant end to the week follows an equally bullish night of trade over in the United States last night.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, shooting up 0.85% overnight.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) didn't far quite as well, but still banked a solid rise of 0.27%.
But getting back to the local markets, let's check out how the different ASX sectors dealt with today's broad-market optimism.
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Winners and losers
There were far more smiles than frowns on the market today.
The worst performer was industrial shares though. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) gave up an early lead to finish 0.14% lower by the conclusion of trading this Friday.
Also out in the cold were consumer staples stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) ended up dipping by 0.13%.
Tech shares were another mildly sore spot, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 0.07% slide.
Mining stocks round out the red list. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) slipped by 0.06% over the day.
But that's it for the losers. Turning to the winners, ASX energy shares came out on top this Friday. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) were on fire, leaping 1.87% higher.
In second place, we had the gold sector. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) vaulted 1.75% upwards by the close of trade.
Financial stocks were hot, too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) banking a nice gain of 0.69%.
Communications shares were also in demand. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) dialled in a 0.65% rise.
Healthcare stocks were revised today as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) got a 0.41% shot in the arm from investors.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) got a new lease on life. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) managed a 0.18% hike.
Consumer discretionary shares got an invite to the ASX party, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) swelling 0.12%.
Our final winner was the utilities space, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s 0.09% uptick.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's hottest stock on the index was mortgage insurance provider Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI). Helia shares had a great day, rocketing up 5.95% to $3.92.
This was possibly a response to the company's announcement this morning that it would be conducting a new $100 million share buyback program.
Here's a look at the rest of today's best shares on the index:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI) | $3.92 | 5.95% |
| Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) | $1.69 | 4.00% |
| Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) | $1.97 | 3.96% |
| Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) | $5.78 | 3.96% |
| Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR) | $1.61 | 3.87% |
| Emerald Resources N.L. (ASX: EMR) | $3.50 | 3.55% |
| News Corporation (ASX: NWS) | $38.58 | 3.40% |
| Red 5 Ltd (ASX: RED) | $0.46 | 3.37% |
| Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) | $1.76 | 3.23% |
| Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) | $6.86 | 3.00% |
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.
