** Australian gold stocks .AXGD rise as much as 2.7% -
gaining the most since Feb. 6
** Gold prices ticked up overnight as the dollar retreated,
although worries of further rate hike from the U.S Fed persist
GOL/
** Sector majors Newcrest Mining NCM.AX and Northern Star
NST.AX Resources gained over 1% each
** De Grey Mining DEG.AX and Genesis Mineral GMD.AX were
the top gainers on the sub-index, adding 5.4% and 4.7%,
respectively
** The sub-index lost 3.4% so far this year, as of last
close
(Reporting by Navya Mittal in Bengaluru)
((navya.mittal@thomsonreuters.com))