The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a Garfield-esque start to the week's trading this Monday, kicking off the trading week on a decidedly sour note.

After initially plunging upon market open this morning, investors kept the ASX 200 in the red all day, and recorded a 0.34% loss for the session by the time the closing bell rang. That leaves the index at 8,482.8 points.

This tempestuous start to the Australian trading week comes after a torrid end to the American week on Saturday morning (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in freefall, tanking by 0.99%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared even worse, slumping by 1.36%.

But let's return to this week and the ASX now and examine how the various ASX sectors handled today's tough trading conditions.

Winners and losers

As one would expect, winners were few and far between this Monday.

Leading the losers were tech shares though. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was singled out for punishment today, cratering by 1.38%.

Communications stocks were also slammed, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) crashing 1.13% lower.

Mining shares had a rough one too. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) was sent home 0.71% lighter this session.

Industrial stocks woke up on the wrong side of the bed as well, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.51% dive.

We could say the same for consumer discretionary shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) suffered a 0.39% blow today.

Energy stocks weren't much of an improvement, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) dipping 0.31%.

Financial shares were sold off too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) sank 0.22% lower this Monday.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were right behind that, as you'll see from the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.17% slide.

But that's it for the losers.

Turning to the far fewer winners now, it was consumer staples stocks that were the place to be today. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) bucked the market with a 0.48% surge.

Utility shares were right behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) banking a 0.45% rise.

Healthcare stocks escaped the rat race too. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) rose by 0.31%.

Finally, gold shares were a safe haven of sorts, evidenced by the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD)'s 0.21% lift.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Topping the index this Monday was embattled casino operator Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR). Star shares had a blinder, shooting up 13.64% to finish at 12.5 cents each. This big jump in value followed a revelation that it has been hosting some potential new suitors.

Here's a look at the other top shares from today's trading: