• Australian gold stocks rise 5.3%, on track for best day since April 8 if gains hold

• Sub-index rises after five straight sessions of losses

• Bullion prices jumped on Thursday with U.S. President Donald Trump calling off planned military strikes on Iran eased fears of oil-driven inflation and elevated interest rates [GOL/]

• Sector heavyweights Northern Star Resources adds 4.7% while Evolution Mining gains 6.2%

• AXGD down 4.2% this week; loses 18.9% on YTD-basis including current moves
(Reporting by Jasmeen Ara Shaikh in Bengaluru)