Australian gold stocks hit 2-week high as bullion shines

** Australian gold stocks .AXGD rise as much as 3.7% to hit their highest level since July 23

** ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index set to log third straight day of gains, if current trend holds

** Gold prices rise on the back of prospects of lower U.S. interest rates, while investors look forward to U.S. President Donald Trump's decision on Federal Reserve appointments GOL/

** Index leaders Northern Star Resources NST.AX and Evolution Mining EVN.AX rise 5.3% and 2.5%, respectively

** Smaller peer West African Resources WAF.AX advances 6.5% to hit its highest since June 6, making it one of the top gainers on the broader benchmark .AXJO

** AXGD up 33.4% YTD, outperforming an 8.1% gain on AXJO