Australian gold stocks surge as bullion shines

Australian gold miners rose as much as 1.3% in early trade, adding to the broader benchmark's 0.2% gain. The sub-index hit its highest level since September 14. Sector leaders Northern Star Resources and Evolution Mining advanced as much as 2.1% and 1.3%, respectively. Gold prices edged higher as U.S. Treasury yields eased, although expectations of higher interest rates limited gains.