** Australian gold stocks .AXGD rise as much as 0.6% to their highest levels since Nov 6

** The sub-index eyes gains for a third consecutive session, if current trend holds

** Gold prices touched a two-week peak, boosted by escalating geopolitical tensions and expectations of another rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week, with U.S. inflation report due later in the day GOL/

** Gold miner Ora Banda Mining OBM.AX gains as much as 9%

** ASX-listed shares of gold miner SSR Mining SSR.AX up as much as 9.2% to their highest levels since Feb 13

** Sub-index has risen 25.9% this year, as of last close

(Reporting by Sherin Sunny in Bengaluru)

((Sherin.Sunny@thomsonreuters.com))