Standard & Poor's Equity Research reiterated a "neutral" view on its gold coverage. S&P Equity Research said, "We continue to believe that long-term fundamentals for gold and gold stocks are positive, but we remain 'neutral' on the group over the coming 12 months, as we believe a bear market rally in the U.S. dollar will place downward pressure on gold." The research firm noted that in 2004 gold-related stocks lagged the metal, with the gold sub-index falling 8.6%, compared with a 5.5% rise in gold. "We believe that the stocks may hold up better than the metal, given 2004's divergence, but we wouldn't add to positions now," the firm said. S&P Equity Research has "hold" ratings on Barrick Gold