The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a spectacular end to the trading week this Friday, vaulting considerably higher to reach a new closing record.
By the time trading wrapped up today, the ASX 200 had gained a confident 0.85% after climbing as high as 8,416.4 points during intra-day trading. That leaves the index at 8,393.8 points as we head into the weekend, a new at-close record.
This euphoric session for the Australian markets comes after a decent day for the American markets in the early hours of this morning (our time).
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was on fire, shooting up 1.06%.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't quite so bullish though, and only inched up 0.033%.
But let's return to the ASX for a checkup to see how the various ASX sectors fared amid today's investor optimism.
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Winners and losers
It should come as no surprise that most of the ASX's sectors rose in value this Friday.
The only sector that missed out was tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had an unusually awful session, collapsing by 4.45%.
But it was all smiles everywhere else. Energy stocks led the winners, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 2.3% surge.
Utilities shares also stood out. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) rocketed 1.44% higher today.
Healthcare stocks also had a great day, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 1.34% leap.
It was a fantastic Friday for gold shares. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) soared up 1.28%.
Industrial stocks were running hot too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) galloping 1.16% higher.
ASX financial shares were in demand as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) jumped 1.15%.
Mining stocks had a decent time today, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 0.84% lift.
Consumer staples shares were in form. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) bounced 0.77% higher.
As were real estate investment trusts (REITs), with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) gaining 0.76%.
Consumer discretionary stocks fared similarly. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) rose 0.65%.
Finally, communications shares eked out a win, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.06% inch higher.
Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown
Today's winner was dairy stock A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M). A2 Milk shares exploded a huge 13.31% higher today to finish at $5.45 each.
This dramatic jump came after A2 revealed a positive guidance update, as well as a new dividend policy.
Here are the other shares that topped the index this Friday:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) | $5.45 | 13.31% |
| Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) | $1.27 | 6.30% |
| Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) | $8.20 | 5.94% |
| Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) | $6.64 | 5.40% |
| Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) | $2.55 | 5.37% |
| Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI) | $23.30 | 5.33% |
| Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) | $3.07 | 3.72% |
| Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) | $146.99 | 3.62% |
| Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) | $6.91 | 3.60% |
| Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) | $39.05 | 3.44% |
Enjoy the weekend!
Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.
