As tensions escalate in the Middle East , investors should consider adding gold and oil as a hedge. "A wider regional war could affect oil supplies, which would likely lead to quick price spikes. Gold, meanwhile, should serve its role as a more conservative asset," UBS analysts led by Tilmann Kolb told clients in a Wednesday note. Gold has risen since the Beirut strike, "underlining its risk hedge characteristics," the analysts said. High demand from banks and a likely uptick in demand when the Federal Reserve lowers rates should also push gold prices higher, they said.

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Persons: Tilmann Kolb, Ismail Haniyeh, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Fuad Shukr Organizations: UBS, New York Times, Federal Locations: East, Israel, Iran, Tehran, Lebanon, Golan Heights, Beirut