The gold mining sector gained 2.61 percent to emerge as the market's best performing sector, closely followed by the coal sector with a 2.36 percent gain. The alternative fuel industry slipped 1.38 percent to become the day's worst performing sector.
Among major movers in the gold mining sector, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (NYSEArca: GDX) gained 1.20 percent, or 65 cents, to trade at $54.86. Among major stocks, shares of Allied Nevada Gold Corp. (AMEX: ANV) added 3.26 percent, or $1.05, to trade at $33.28. Shares of US Gold Corp. (NYSE: UXG) were up 3.59 percent, or 24 cents, to trade at $6.92. Shares of Newmont Mining Corp. (NYSE: NEM) gained 1.63 percent, or 82 cents, to trade at $53.60.
In the coal sector, Market Vectors Coal ETF (NYSEArca: KOL) gained 0.28 percent, or 13 cents, to trade at $46.63. Among major stocks, shares of Peabody Energy Corp. (NYSE: BTU) added 2.04 percent, or $1.18, to trade at $59.63. Shares of CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE: CNX) were up 2.22 percent, or $1.05, to trade at $48.31. Shares of Walter Energy Inc. (NYSE: WLT) gained 2.33 percent, or $2.72, to trade at $122.02.
Among major stocks in the alternative fuel sector, shares of REX American Resources Corp. (NYSE: REX) slipped 3.12 percent, or 53 cents, to trade at $16.43. Shares of Verenium Corp. (Nasdaq: VRNM) fell 2.42 percent, or 6 cents, to trade at $2.42. Shares of Amyris Inc. (Nasdaq: AMRS) were down 1.55 percent, or 42 cents, to trade at $26.63.