Gold advances as decline in equities spurs demand

London (Dec 30)  Gold today rebounded from the biggest decline in a week as a retreat in stocks revived demand for an alternative investment.

 Gold rose 0.3 per cent to $1,186.83 an ounce. The metal fell 1.1 per cent yesterday, the most since December 22. However, silver climbed 0.9 per cent to $15.94 an ounce.

 Stocks fell around the world today, led by energy producers as oil dropped for the fourth day.