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The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed a happy hump day session this Wednesday, pushing the value of many ASX shares higher after yesterday's rough start to the short trading week.

It was a bit of a wild session for the ASX 200 today, with the index dipping into the red at one point. But investors regained their optimism, and the index finished 0.57% higher at 8,653.3 points.

This successful session for Australian investors comes after a mixed night on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fared decently, rising by 0.17%.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) went the other way, dropping a chunky 0.97%.

But let's return to the local markets now and dive a little deeper into what the different ASX sectors were up to today.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's lift, a few sectors missed out on the optimism.

Leading those red sectors were gold shares again. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had a shocker, diving 4.45% lower.

Tech stocks were also on the nose, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) plunging 2.34%.

We could say something similar for mining shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) took a 1.14% hit today.

Our last losers were energy stocks, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 0.87% dip.

Turning to the green sectors now, consumer staple shares led the way higher. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) rocketed 3.87% this session.

Its consumer discretionary counterpart also ran hot, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) soaring 3.58%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were also in demand. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) jumped up 1.82% this Wednesday.

Utilities stocks didn't miss out either, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s 1.25% surge.

Nor did communications shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) bounced 1.19% higher.

Industrial stocks came next, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) lifting 1.13% by the closing bell.

Healthcare shares enjoyed another positive session as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) ended up advancing 0.88%.

Finally, financial stocks came to a dead heat with healthcare shares, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.88% gain.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

It was insurance stock Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF) that easily took out today's top spot. Steadfast shares exploded 36.2% higher this session to close at $5.38 each. Despite being in a trading halt for most of today, the company announced a takeover offer this afternoon, which sent investors into a frenzy.

Here's how the other top stocks tied up at the dock:

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF)	$5.38	36.20%
AUB Group Ltd (ASX: AUB)	$28.70	9.84%
Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)	$15.46	8.57%
Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)	$15.22	6.58%
IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL)	$2.23	6.19%
Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS)	$3.14	5.72%
Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)	$12.26	5.42%
Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)	$3.13	5.39%
Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)	$23.73	4.95%
Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)	$121.76	4.65%

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.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Light & Wonder Inc, Steadfast Group, and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Steadfast Group and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aub Group, Light & Wonder Inc, and Nick Scali. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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