The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a very sour end to the trading week indeed this Friday. After giving investors some relief yesterday, global geopolitical fears prompted panic on the markets today.

By the time trading wrapped up, the ASX 200 had tanked 0.98%, leaving the index at 7,567.3 points as we start the weekend.

This horrid end to the trading week comes after a mixed night up on the American markets last night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) gave up a big lead to finish just 0.058% higher.

The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't so lucky though and recorded a 0.52% loss.

But let's grit our teeth and return to the ASX for a look at how the different ASX sectors fared during today's carnage.

There was only one sector that recorded a rise on the Australian share market today. But we'll get to that later.

First up, the worst-hit sector today was the tech space. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was singled out for punishment, cratering 1.55%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) also suffered more than most. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) was given a 1.51% slap by investors.

ASX financial shares didn't fare well either, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 1.13% tank.

Mining stocks weren't riding to the rescue, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) slumping 1.09%.

Industrial shares weren't far off that. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) suffered a fall of 1.03%.

Consumer discretionary stocks were another sore spot. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) retreated by 0.83%.

Their consumer staples counterparts weren't much better, as evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 0.76% drop.

Communications stocks were also given a beatdown. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) was sold off by 0.75%.

Utilities shares weren't a happy bunch either. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) was downgraded by 0.62%.

Healthcare stocks did not have a healthy day. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) deteriorated by 0.51%.

The final losers were energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) did better than most though, slipping by just 0.09%.

And now, the sole winner of the day: gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) lived up to its safe haven reputation by rising 0.79%.

Riding out today's falls as the best stock on the index was gold miner Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD). Genesis shares managed a rise of 2.74% up to $1.875 a share. That was despite no fresh developments out of the company.

Here's the rest of the best shares from today's trading:

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.