Updates
** Shares of gold miners gain, tracking a rise in bullion prices GOL/
** Spot gold XAU= up 0.8% at $4,531.68 per ounce, as safe-haven demand picks up, although prices headed for a monthly decline as the Middle East conflict sparks inflation concerns and expectations of higher global interest rates
** Gold has fallen more than 13% so far in March, putting the metal on track for its worst monthly performance since 2008
** Top miners Newmont NEM.N and Barrick Mining ABX.TO rise 1.4% each
** U.S.-listed shares of South African miner AngloGold Ashanti AU.N gain 1.3%
** Canadian miners Agnico Eagle Mines AEM.TO and Kinross Gold K.TO up 1.5% and 1.2%, respectively
(Reporting by Pooja Menon in Bengaluru)
((Pooja.Menon@thomsonreuters.com;))