BUZZ-Aussie gold stocks hit more than 3-week high on strong bullion

** Australian gold stocks .AXGD rise as much as 2% to their highest level since Dec. 16, 2024 ** Gold prices climbed as last month's weaker-than-anticipated private employment report fueled speculation about Federal Reserve's rate cuts this year GOL/ ** Sub-index set for three consecutive sessions of gains ** Northern Star Resources NST.AX and Evolution Mining EVN.AX rise as much as 3.5% and 1.6%, respectively; both hit one-month high ** AXGD gained 14.3% last year, continuing its green run from 2023 (Reporting by Kumar Tanishk in Bengaluru) (([email protected];))