Gold stocks have been on a tremendous run in 2012 with precious metals demand showing no signs of slowing. The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is up more than five percent this year, while the Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is performing even better -- up more than 12 percent in 2012. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Gold industry and provides equity research on North Springs Resources Corporation and MineFinders Corporation Ltd.

Earlier this month the World Gold Council (WGC) said in its quarterly Gold Demand Trends report that gold demand hit 14-year highs in 2011, driven by record investment and buying in China, which could overtake India in 2012 as the world's top consumer. Total demand for gold in China in 2011 rose 20 percent to 769.8 tons, driven by jewelry and investment demand, compared with a 7 percent fall in demand in India to 933.4 tons as a result of volatile gold prices and a weak rupee.

Meanwhile gold mine output reached a new annual record of 2,809.5 tons last year, marking a 4 percent rise on 2010, while recycling fell 2 percent on the year to 1,611.9 tons.

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The WGC reported that the gold producer hedge book increased for the first time in a decade last year, with 18 tons of hedging added to the estimated outstanding global hedge book of 158.0 tons. "2011 was noteworthy for being the first year of net producer hedging since 1999. However, absolute levels of hedging remain insignificant and are likely to fluctuate around zero over the year ahead," the WGC said.

MineFinders is a precious metals mining and exploration company and operates the multi-million ounce Dolores gold and silver mine in Mexico.

North Springs Resources Corp. focuses on the evaluation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties, primarily precious metal properties in Nevada.