Iamgold (NYSE:IAG), Goldcorp (NYSE:GG), AngloGold (NYSE:AU) Up on Weak Economy

As we gradually sift through the economic data and news, confirmation we are far from any type of recovery continues to emerge, as the latest data in new housing starts confirm once government props are removed it falls apart. Gold companies like Iamgold (NYSE:IAG), Goldcorp (NYSE:GG) and AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU) will continually be the beneficiaries of the weak economy, as gold prices resume their upward climb.

Gold prices finished above $1,190 an ounce today, and the majority of gold miners climbed with it, as housing starts dropped another 5 percent in June, following the 15 percent drop the prior month.

Among the group of gold miners mentioned here, Iamgold performed the strongest of the three, ending the trading session in New York at $16.21, gaining $0.65. or 4.18 percent. They did decline after hours to $15.99 a share.

Next was Goldcorp, who had a nice upward move of $0.60, to end the day at $40.35, or 1.51 percent. They were level in after hours trading.

AngloGold Ashanti moved the lowest of the three, reaching $39.53 by close, a gain of $0.43, or 1.10 percent.

There is nothing that points to any of this changing, as the job market would have to completely turn around, which it hasn't, as consumers continue to hold back on spending as the economy continues to sputter.

Gold investors will be a happy lot going forward, as there will be a big move once the reality is digested by the market.