• Australian gold stocks rise as much as 1.7% to its highest since May 13

• Sub-index set for second straight session of gains

• Gold prices rose more than 1% as the dollar weakened and as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reaffirmed President Donald Trump's tariff threats, boosting safe-haven demand [GOL/]

• Northern Star Resources , Evolution Mining

up 1.4% and 1.9%, respectively

• D, AXGD gains ~35%

(Reporting by Roshan Thomas in Bengaluru)