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DUBAI - Here are some factors that may affect Middle East stock markets on Thursday. Reuters has not verified the press reports and does not vouch for their accuracy.
INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL
* GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian shares jump after Powell nixes rate hike fears
* Oil rises after data shows slump in U.S. output amid Texas freeze
* MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Gulf markets close lower; Dubai declines 1.5%
* PRECIOUS-Gold slips as strong U.S. Treasury yields dull appeal
* OPEC+ to weigh modest oil output boost at meeting - sources
* New normal 'Green Pass' opens music concert to vaccinated Israelis
* Israel's Netanyahu sets April target for reopening economy
* Iran arrested French tourist nine months ago, says his lawyer
* Iran says up to U.S. to move first on saving nuclear deal
* Syria's health ministry denies local report on Chinese vaccine arrival
* U.N. aid chief urges Gulf states to step up to avert Yemen famine
* Yemen warns against possible second coronavirus wave
* Iraqi Christians, decimated by Islamist violence, prepare for pope's visit
EGYPT
* Egypt registers Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine
* Vodafone Egypt plans to buy stakes in two digital payment firms within 3 months - official
SAUDI ARABIA
* U.S. report on Khashoggi death expected to single out Saudi crown prince-sources
* Saudi Arabia's PIF launches $3 bln tourism, infrastructure venture - SPA
* Saudi Arabia crown prince has successful surgery for appendicitis -state news agency
* Saudi Arabia completes second foray in euro market with 1.5 bln bond deal
* Saudi Arabia allows citizens married to foreigners to travel through border points - state TV
* Saudi imports from Turkey tumble in December after informal boycott
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
* UAE opening field hospitals to boost health sector capacity -report
QATAR
* Qatar's Commercial Bank sells $500 mln in AT1 bonds - document
KUWAIT
* Kuwaiti banks' non-performing loans increase to 2% amid COVID-19 crisis - c.bank
(Compiled by Dubai newsroom) ((dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com))