Sydney, Jan 16, 2026, 16:48 AEDT — Market closed.
Northern Star Resources Ltd shares dropped 1.0% on Friday, closing at A$26.83, after trading between A$26.57 and A$27.66, according to data from Investing.com. Volume hit around 5.5 million shares. (Investing)
The pullback saw the Australian gold miner underperform the stronger local market, as investors continue to view the stock as a swift gauge on bullion prices and short-term operational momentum. (Investing)
Gold slid further on Friday following stronger-than-forecast U.S. economic data, which dampened hopes for early Federal Reserve rate cuts and weakened demand for safe-haven assets. This dynamic can hurt gold stocks even as the metal itself posts gains for the week. “There’s not an urgency to cut interest rates,” said Kyle Rodda, an analyst at Capital.com, in a Reuters report. (Reuters)
Northern Star has already signaled a rougher stretch heading into year-end. In an operational update earlier this month, the company reported December-quarter sales around 348,000 ounces and slashed full-year production guidance to 1.6 million–1.7 million ounces, down from 1.7 million–1.85 million. The revision stems from a series of maintenance and operational hiccups across its sites. The company also warned that lower sales would likely push costs higher, with updated cost guidance expected alongside its December-quarter results. (ASX Announcements)
The upcoming report is crucial—the market is looking for smoother plant operations, fewer interruptions, and signs that things are moving beyond recovery mode. Cost per ounce will also draw close attention, as it often determines whether a higher gold price actually boosts profits or gets swallowed up by operational hiccups.
Gold stocks showed varied moves today. Evolution Mining inched higher by 0.4%, but Newmont’s ASX-listed shares dropped 1.1%, per data from Investing.com and StockAnalysis. (Investing)
The downside scenario is straightforward. Additional downtime, slipping grades, or unit costs rising beyond forecasts could weigh on Northern Star’s valuation—even if bullion prices hold steady. A stronger U.S. dollar would only add to the negative sentiment.
Up next, Northern Star’s December 2025 quarterly results drop Thursday, Jan. 22. Then, keep an eye on its FY26 half-year figures, due Thursday, Feb. 12. (Nsrltd)
