** Australian gold stocks .AXGD rose as much as 3.5% to log their largest intraday pct gain since November 25

** Sub-index on track to snap two straight sessions of losses

** Gold prices gained overnight as investors remained optimistic ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision GOL/

** Sector leaders Northern Star Resources NST.AX and Evolution Mining EVN.AX gain 3.3% and 3.4% respectively

** Ramelius Resources RMS.AX surges 8.7%, among top gainers on the broader benchmark .AXJO, after unveiling a share buyback program of up to A$250 million ($165.95 million)

** YTD, AXGD up 105.8%, including the day's moves, outperforming a 5.2% rise on the AXJO

($1 = 1.5065 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Nikita Maria Jino in Bengaluru)

((Nikita.Jino@thomsonreuters.com))