Barrick Gold Corp.'s ( NYSE: GOLD ) short interest increased by 12% in the two weeks through December 31. About 12.9 million shares were short, less than 1% of the miner's total float. Days to cover remained at one. Shares dropped by about 1.6% in the period, and the stock closed at $23.54 on Tuesday. The 52-week trading range is $12.65 to $31.22.