A couple of gold-related stocks are in focus today, thanks to a wave of brokerage-firm commentary. Credit Suisse raised its rating on Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM: sentiment, chart, options) this morning from "neutral" to "outperform," while sector peer Kinross Gold (KGC: sentiment, chart, options) received bullish nods from BMO Capital and Blackmont. The former resumed coverage of KGC with an "outperform" rating and a $21 price target, down from $28; the latter raised its price target on KGC from C$25 to C$26.

Today's analyst action seems to have been spurred by some news released yesterday. Kinross said Thursday that it received shareholder approval for its $815-million bid to acquire Aurelian Resources, while Agnico-Eagle announced that it had entered a new, non-amortizing $300-million revolving credit facility.

At last check, AEM shares were 1.2% higher, while KGC was trying to edge into positive territory. Option players are already overwhelmingly optimistic toward the 2 stocks; for both AEM and KGC, calls outnumber puts by more than 3-to-1 among near-term options. This heavily bullish sentiment could account for the muted reaction to today's brokerage boosts.