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Major Gulf markets mixed in early trade

Significant stock markets in the Gulf were blended in early trade on Monday as geopolitical tensions rose in the region and financiers braced for thirdquarter profits.

Tensions were up with the possibility of a retaliation against Iran, the continued violence in Gaza and Israel's unrelenting push against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index dropped 0.6%, hit by a 6.1% slide in ACWA Power and 0.7% decline in Al .

Rajhi Bank. Among other losers, oil giant Saudi Aramco was. down 0.2%.

Oil rates - a catalyst for the Gulf's monetary markets -. wiped out nearly all gains made last week after information revealed. China's inflation rate declined and a lack of clarity on the. country's financial stimulus strategies stired worries about fuel need. on the planet's most significant unrefined importer.

The markets were likewise depressed by worries that the. possibility of an Israeli reaction to Iran's Oct. 1 missile. attack might disrupt oil production, though the U.S. has. cautioned Israel versus targeting Iranian energy. facilities.

Lower rates and disturbances to crude exports effect financial. balances in countries reliant on oil income.

The Qatari index reduced 0.1%, with Islamic lender. Masraf Al Rayan losing 0.3%.

Dubai's main share index acquired 0.5%, with top. lending institution Emirates NBD rising 1.8%.

In Abu Dhabi, the index was up 0.3%.

On Friday, a reading on U.S. inflation and consumer. self-confidence kept expectations for the course of Federal Reserve. interest rate cuts intact.

Markets had been fully pricing in a cut of at least 25 basis. points (bps) with a chance for another outsized 50 bps cut.

Monetary policy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) frequently. lines up with the Fed's decisions as the majority of the local. currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar.

(source: Reuters)