** Australian gold stocks .AXGD up 1%, set for a second consecutive session of gains

** Stock hits highest level since Oct 24, 2024

** Gold prices hit an all-time high, as investors moved to the safe-haven asset after China retaliated with tariffs on the U.S. in response to President Donald Trump's tariffs GOL/

** Gold miners Evolution Mining EVN.AX and Northern Star Resources NST.AX gain as much as 1% and 1.3%, respectively

** Sub-index up 16% this year, as of last close

(Reporting by Sherin Sunny in Bengaluru)

((Sherin.Sunny@thomsonreuters.com;))