The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed a pleasant end to the trading week this Friday, recording a strong rise. After staying in the green all day, the ASX 200 closed at 8,343.7 points this session after gaining 0.56%.
This decent showing from the Australian markets comes after a decent night up on the American markets.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, shooting 0.65% higher.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't as lucky, though, slipping 0.18% lower.
But let's get back to the ASX now and take stock of what the various ASX sectors were up to this Friday.
We only saw a handful of sectors go backward today.
Leading those red sectors were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was left out of the party, tanking 0.93%.
Consumer discretionary shares had a tough day too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) slumping 0.2%.
Energy stocks were also on the nose. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) took a 0.16% dive this session.
Our last losers were utilities shares, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s 0.05% slip.
It was all smiles everywhere else, though.
Leading the green sectors this Friday were gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) rocketed 3.03% higher today.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were also running hot, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) galloping up 2.28%.
Mining shares were in demand too. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) saw its value balloon by 1.29%.
Healthcare stocks were right behind that, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 1.22% jump.
Industrial shares had a great day as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) ended up vaulting 1.02% higher.
Communications stocks were a little more muted though, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) lifting 0.28%.
Consumer staples shares were in the same ballpark. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) recorded a rise of 0.24% today.
Finally, financial stocks only just eked out a gain, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.02% bump.
Today's top performer was energy stock Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA). Viva shares shot up a hefty 4.53% today to close at $1.96 each.
This came despite no fresh news or announcements out of the company.
Here's how the rest of today's best tied up at the dock:
| ASX-listed company | Share price | Price change |
| Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) | $1.96 | 4.53% |
| Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) | $3.82 | 4.35% |
| PEXA Group Ltd (ASX: PXA) | $12.18 | 4.19% |
| Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) | $4.45 | 3.97% |
| DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT) | $3.28 | 3.80% |
| Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) | $3.36 | 3.70% |
| Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) | $2.50 | 3.73% |
| Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) | $0.86 | 3.61% |
| Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) | $77.42 | 3.60% |
| Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) | $7.87 | 3.55% |
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.
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