Top Gold Miners Face Metal’s Fading Rally After Bumper Quarter

The world’s two biggest gold producers got a lift from elevated precious-metals prices at the end of last year, but with bullion in retreat miners may have to work harder to keep investor interest.

Newmont Corp., the world’s largest gold producer, said this week it’s enriching dividend payouts, while Barrick Gold Corp., the No. 2 supplier, is giving shareholders some proceeds from selling off mines. Both reported better-than-expected earnings on Thursday, helped by lower costs and higher metals prices.