This is a great bunch to trade for the novices. You have something to key off (that is not involved in program trading like S&P) When I started trading stocks, Bob Kanter taught us to trade gold stocks initially. Times recently have validated that idea imho. Trading gold as a commodity is harder due to volatility and the leverage. Best candidates are; NEM, FCX as they are the leaders.
here is the 5 min chart for NEM for example.. Let me add one more thing - this is the only group to be caught long if the proverbial crapolla will hit the fan, let it be a fiscal crisis or terror attack on US soil.