URGENT UPDATE: ASX 200 gold stocks are facing a dramatic downturn today, with shares of major companies like Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) plummeting 3.0% as investors react to a significant dip in gold prices. As of early afternoon trading on December 29, 2025, the benchmark Australian index remains nearly flat, but the gold mining sector is taking a hit.
Shares of other ASX gold stocks are also spiraling downwards: Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM) is down 4.3%, Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) has dropped 4.8%, and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) is down 2.8%. This trend marks a concerning shift for investors, particularly on the last trading day of the year.
What’s driving this sharp decline? Over the weekend, gold prices reached record highs of US$4,533 per ounce, but have since sunk by 4.8% to around US$4,336. This swift reversal has prompted many investors to hit the sell button, particularly those looking to capitalize on substantial year-end profits. Despite this dip, gold prices have surged 66% over the past year, making it a lucrative investment for many.
Here’s a snapshot of how these ASX 200 gold stocks have performed over the last 12 months:
– Northern Star shares: up 67.3%
– Newmont shares: up 144.3%
– Ramelius Resources shares: up 90.4%
– Evolution Mining shares: up 154.0%
– Bellevue Gold shares: up 48.0%
– Genesis Minerals shares: up 182.7%
– Perseus Mining shares: up 114.9%
– Vault Minerals shares: up 148.8%
– Westgold shares: up 118.9%
Looking ahead, the outlook for gold remains cautiously optimistic. Analysts, including Ole Hansen from Saxo Bank, predict that the gold price could climb to US$5,000 per ounce in 2026, driven by ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and fiscal challenges. Hansen notes, “As we head into 2026, gold is no longer just a hedge against inflation or falling rates; it is increasingly a cornerstone asset.”
Investors will be closely monitoring these developments as the market transitions into the new year. The current volatility underscores the importance of keeping a close watch on gold prices and the performance of ASX gold stocks.
For those considering investments in this market, understanding the dynamics of gold pricing will be crucial in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
