Most stock markets in the Gulf rose on Monday with cooler-than-expected U.S. inflation data supporting the view that the Federal Reserve could cut borrowing costs in the new year.

Last week's Commerce Department report showed U.S. prices fell in November for the first time in more than 3-1/2 years, pushing the annual increase in inflation further below 3%.

Monetary policy in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is usually guided by the decisions of the Federal Reserve, as most regional currencies are pegged to the dollar. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index advanced 1.1%, buoyed by a 2.6% rise in Al Rajhi Bank and a 1.8% gain for auto rental firm Lumi.

Dubai's main share index eased 0.1%, hit by a 0.9% fall in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties.

The Dubai stock market was constrained within the trading levels of recent days, noted Daniel Takieddine, CEO MENA at BDSwiss.

"The market could be exposed to some price correction risks after a small rebound," he said. The Qatari benchmark closed 0.5% higher, rising for a seventh session, with Qatar Islamic Bank gaining 1% and sharia-compliant lender Masraf Al Rayan up 2%.

"The market could turn to price corrections if traders move to secure their gains," Takieddine said.

"Uncertainty regarding developments in energy markets could also remain a source of risk."

Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index rose 1.6%, led by a 3.6% increase in top lender Commercial International Bank.

SAUDI ARABIA rose 1.1% to 11,813 ABU DHABI fell 0.1% to 9,484 DUBAI eased 0.1% to 4,018 QATAR gained 0.5% to 10,452 EGYPT rose 1.6% to 24,227 BAHRAIN added 0.3% to 1,928 OMAN lost 0.1% to 4,561 KUWAIT dropped 0.6% to 7,435

(Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)


Reuters