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