ASX Round-Up: Gold Companies Take the Lead

The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) closed at 5,419.5 points today, down 48.7 points from the previous session. The market had a mixed week, according to The Sydney Morning Herald — though gold companies saw gains earlier in the week, they lost some momentum today.

The gold companies that saw positive action include Newcrest Mining (ASX:NCM), a gold, copper and silver producer with operations in Australia and other parts of the world. Today it rose $0.42, or 4.04 percent, to reach $10.81. Similarly, Resolute Mining (ASX:RSG), which mines for gold and other minerals in Africa and Australia, today gained $0.03, or 3.85 percent, to close at $0.675, while Regis Resources (ASX:RRL), which produces gold in Western Australia, increased in value by $0.05, or 3.07 percent, to reach $1.68.

Atlas Iron (ASX:AGO), a company that mines and sells iron ore, also fared well, increasing by $0.02, or 3.2 percent.

On the flip side, Sirius Resources (ASX:SIR), an Australian mineral exploration company that mines for gold, nickel and other base metals, declined by $0.13, or 3.87 percent, to reach $3.23 today. Alumina (ASX:AWC), a bauxite miner, also fell, sinking $0.04, or 2.86 percent, to close at $1.36.