Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) saw its stock plummet 5.84% in pre-market trading on Monday, as gold prices took a significant hit. The precious metal's decline comes amid signs of progress in trade talks between the United States and China, along with easing geopolitical tensions, which have dampened gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset.

Gold prices fell as much as 1.8% in early Asian trading, dipping below $3,220 an ounce. The sharp decline in gold prices has had a ripple effect across the gold mining sector, with several major players experiencing notable drops. Kinross, which had already seen a 3% decline in overnight trading, is now facing even steeper losses as the market reacts to the shifting landscape for gold.

The broader context for this movement includes reports of "substantial progress" in US-China trade discussions held in Switzerland, although specific measures have yet to be announced. This development, coupled with a strengthening dollar, has put pressure on gold prices and, consequently, on gold mining stocks. While some analysts suggest that dips in gold prices could find support around the $3,200 level, the immediate impact on companies like Kinross is evident in the pre-market plunge, reflecting investor concerns about the near-term outlook for gold-focused businesses.