The catalytic activity and stability in the water-gas shift reaction have been tested for Au-based catalysts prepared by deposition of Au from colloid solutions. The supports that have been used are TiO2, TiO2 supported on carbon nanofibres (CNF) and CNF. Thermal treatments of the samples show that the Au particle size depends on the support material and hence the interaction between the Au particles and the support. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopic (XAS) measurements during the water-gas shift reaction show no changes in the first Au-Au coordination number for the catalysts containing CNF. Furthermore, improved short-time stability is obtained compared to the AuTiO2 catalysts. The improved stability is achieved by the CNF stabilising small TiO2 particles and hence prevent subsequent sintering of the Au particles. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.