DUBAI, Feb 28 (Reuters) – Here are some factors that may affect Middle East stock markets on Sunday. Reuters has not verified the press reports and does not vouch for their accuracy.
INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL
* GLOBAL MARKETS-Globals stock slide on inflation fears, dollar gains MKTS/GLOB
* Oil drops on dollar strength and OPEC+ supply expectations O/R
* MIDEAST STOCKS-Global share rally, rising oil prices buoy Gulf bourses PRECIOUS-Gold slumps as rising U.S. yields, dollar dull lustre Israel says initial assessment is Iran behind explosion on Israeli-owned ship Israel freezes programme to send vaccines abroad, defence minister says McDonald’s considers selling part of digital startup Dynamic Yield Israel says half its population has received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Left out? Israeli vaccine refuseniks fear exclusion as economy reopens Qatar says to fund $60 mln pipeline from Israel to Gaza Syria says it has received COVID-19 vaccinations from ‘friendly country’ Syria condemns ‘cowardly’ U.S. air strikes on Iran-backed militias Iran says U.S. air strikes in Syria encourage terrorism in the region Iran ‘can’t act with impunity,’ Biden says after U.S. air strikes Iran threatens to end deal with IAEA over U.S.-led push to criticise it Tunisia’s main party holds huge rally as government row grows Yemen’s children starve as U.N. seeks billions to avoid vast ‘man-made’ famine MTN to appeal Syrian court ruling to put its unit under judicial custody Jordan says COVID-19 vaccination drive to accelerate in coming weeks Health minister fuels Lebanese anger over vaccine line-jumping ARABIA
* Saudi de facto ruler approved operation that led to Khashoggi’s death – U.S. Saudi Arabia bonds, stocks take U.S. sanctions mostly in stride ‘No smoking gun,’ ‘We are all Mohammed bin Salman,’ say crown prince supporters Biden says Saudi announcement to come Monday; White House plays down new steps Saudi-led coalition says it thwarted Houthi missile attack on Riyadh – state TV ARAB EMIRATES
* Russia’s Alrosa to offer a rare 242-carat rough diamond at Dubai auction Abu Dhabi’s TAQA plans international bond sale – sources Pakistan signs 10-year LNG supply deal with Qatar -minister Qatar’s Ezdan says will have funds to repay upcoming sukuk maturities Bahrain first to approve Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:) COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use – regulator Israel, Bahrain leaders discuss Iran, possible vaccine plant