Dec 18 (Reuters) - UBS:
* RETAINS BULLISH VIEW ON GOLD OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS; SEES PRICES REACHING $2,900/OZ BY END OF NEXT YEAR
* SAYS CENTRAL BANKS SHOULD CONTINUE TO ACCUMULATE GOLD AS THEY DIVERSIFY RESERVES
* SAYS DEMAND FOR GOLD AS A KEY PORTFOLIO HEDGE SHOULD RISE; LOWER RATES ARE LIKELY TO SUPPORT THE CASE FOR HOLDING GOLD
((Reuters.Briefs@thomsonreuters.com;))