Other than the big Canadian banks and a handful of staid utilities, gold miners are among the only companies on the TSX that have been able to raise cash by issuing stock in recent months.

Even with the equity markets in a tailspin, investors have been willing to buy gold shares on the belief that the bullion price will remain strong amid the sharpest global economic downturn in more than half a century. While most other corporate sectors are expected to suffer declining sales and profit this year, gold miners will likely buck the trend.

"The prospects for gold producers are relatively healthy compared to some of the other business streams. It's one of the few commodities that people believe has a potential upside," said Anita Soni, an analyst at Credit Suisse.

Currently fetching about $850 an ounce, gold has rallied in recent weeks and some believe the yellow metal could climb back above $1,000 an ounce.
There are 15 to 20 sizable gold producers
most are going to raise m