• Australian gold stocks rise as much as 3.6%, their biggest intraday pct rise since August 20

• Gold stocks rise as bullion prices edge higher, supported by lower oil prices and a weaker U.S. dollar [GOL/]

• Sector majors Evolution Mining and Northern Star Resources rise 3.2% and 2.6% respectively

• YTD, AXGD sub index down 0.7%, flat for the week

(Reporting by Paridhi Minda in Bengaluru)