Shares of gold-mining companies rallied sharply on Monday, with the VanEck Gold Miners ETF climbing almost 4% in afternoon trading as bullion prices continued to firm. Agnico Eagle Mines gained about 4%, while Barrick Gold, Kinross Gold and Gold Fields all touched new bull-market highs. The advance in equities outpaced the metal itself; spot gold rose roughly 1%, adding to a strong move at the end of last week. Traders also noted heavy call-spread activity shifting to options that expire on 29 August, suggesting bets that the sector’s momentum could carry through the remainder of the month.