Mideast Stocks US rate decrease wagers and OPEC+ output delays boost the majority of Gulf markets.

Investor confidence in a U.S. interest rate decrease and a possible postponement of OPEC+'s planned output increase helped most Gulf stock markets close higher Thursday. The CME Group's FedWatch Tool indicates that markets presently perceive a 74% possibility of a 25-basis-point rate drop this month.The U.S. payrolls report on Friday is likely to draw the market's attention, and the November inflation data is anticipated the following week. Because the majority of the Gulf region's currencies are based on the U.S. dollar, the Fed's choices have an effect on the region's monetary policy. Al Taiseer Group <4143.SE>, a manufacturer of alumThe index <.FTFADGI> increased by 0.1% in Abu Dhabi. A source told Reuters that OPEC+ had decided to postpone a planned increase in oil output until April 2025, which caused oil prices, which are a major driver of the Gulf's financial markets, to recoup some of their gains. As it struggles with poor demand, particularly from China, and expanding supply outside the producer group, OPEC+—the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries plus allies, including Russia—is attempting to support prices with the anticipated delay.

The largest lender in the Gulf, Qatar National Bank <QNBK.QA>, saw a 0.6% increase, driving a 0.5% increase in the benchmark Qatari stock <.QSI>.Egypt's blue-chip index <.EGX30> ended the day flat outside the Gulf. At a news conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that Egypt intends to list three or four military-owned businesses on the stock exchange. The government's comprehensive IPO calendar would be made public the following week. Saudi Arabia At 11,932, <.TASI> increased by 0.4%. Abu Dhabi .FTFADGI> increased by 0.1% to 9,277 Dubai At 4,820, <.DFMGI> dropped 0.7%. Qatar At 10,392, <.QSI> increased by 0.5%. Egypt At 30,840, <.EGX30> was flat. Bahrain At 2,036 <.BAX> closed the flat. OMAN eased 0.1% to 4,572 <.MSX30> KUWAIT <.BKP> increased 7,808 by 0.2%.0.SE> increased 3.6%, contributing to the 0.4% advance in Saudi Arabia's benchmark index <.TASI>.