MIDEAST STOCKS – Factors to watch – Feb 26 – Reuters
DUBAI Feb 26 (Reuters) – Here are some factors that may
affect Middle East stock markets on Thursday. Reuters has not
verified the press reports and does not vouch of their accuracy.
INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL
* GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian shares edge down from 5-month high,
dollar steadies MKTS/GLOB]
* Brent falls towards $61 as US crude stocks weigh
* MIDEAST STOCKS-Gulf markets edge up on commodities, dovish
Fed
* PRECIOUS-Gold steadies as US rate hike timing expectations
ease
* U.S. charges 3 with conspiring to support Islamic State
* Israeli auditor criticises home prices, issue dogs
election campaign
* More moderate Syrians ready to battle Islamic State than
expected -U.S. official
* Syrian Kurds cut IS supply line near Iraq; fears for
Christians mount
* Austria passes “Law on Islam” banning foreign money for
Muslim groups
* Moroccan government proposes to boost central bank
independence
* Houthi militiamen storm two military bases in Yemen
* Libyan parliament proposes Haftar, a divisive figure, as
head of army
* Netanyahu accuses West of forsaking non-nuclear Iran
pledge
* In holy city, Iran’s Rouhani seeks clergy’s backing for
nuclear talks
TURKEY
* Turkish Airlines profit almost triples, plans $3.74 bln
investment
* Turkish Airlines planned bond issue may reach $2-3 bln -
CFO
* Turkey’s Erdogan questions whether central bank under
external influence
* Turkish lira falls on Erdogan’s criticism of central bank
* Libyan parliament proposes appointing general Haftar as
top commander – spokesman
* EBRD lends 175 million euros for Turkey’s Dalaman airport
financing
EGYPT
* Egyptian central bank seen keeping rates steady
SAUDI ARABIA
* UAE’s Etisalat Q4 profit jumps 45 pct, below forecast
* ANALYSIS-Saudi satisfaction with ‘calm’ oil markets
signals $60 anchor
* Saudi Aramco sees Jizan refinery’s first units starting up
in 2017
* Saudi Mobily suffers 2014 loss, loan covenant breach
* Saudi’s Mobily removes CEO Kaf after accounting probe
* Saudi’s Naimi says oil demand growing as prices stabilise
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
* UAE firm signs $235 mln support contract with Oshkosh
* INTERVIEW-Emirates airline urges U.S. to ignore subsidy
claims
* UAE’s First Gulf Bank sees 9-11 pct loan growth in 2015
-CFO
QATAR
* Qatar’s Hassad Food eyes Brazilian sugar, poultry assets
IPO
* Qatar bank Al Khaliji gets shareholder assent for up to
$1.75 bln bond sale
* INTERVIEW-Qatar investment slowing as oil slumps
-Investment House CEO
* Qatar Navigation raises 2014 dividend as Q4 profit jumps
32.8 pct
OMAN
* Moody’s changes outlook to negative on 5 Omani banks’
deposit ratings
BAHRAIN
* Bahrain’s GFH plans $230 mln sukuk issue in 2015 to fund
acquisitions
(Compiled by Dubai newsroom)
MIDEAST STOCKS – Factors to watch – Feb 26 – Reuters}