Most stock markets in the Gulf tracked global equities higher in early trade on Thursday, after benign U.S. inflation data raised hopes of a Federal Reserve rate cut, while earnings reports in the region were mixed.
Traders overwhelming expect the Fed to cut rates in September after data this week showed U.S.
Monetary policy shifts in the U.S. have a significant impact on Gulf markets, where most currencies are pegged to the dollar.
The Qatari benchmark index 
GNRI rose 0.8%, with almost all constituents advancing. Qatar National Bank 
QNBK, the region’s largest lender, gained 1.7% and Qatar Islamic Bank 
QIBK climbed 1.2%.
Dubai’s benchmark stock index 
DFMGI was up 0.4%, supported by gains in real estate, industry, finance, and utilities sectors. Blue-chip developer Emaar Properties 
EMAAR rose 1% and toll operator Salik 
SALIK advanced 3.8%. Salik posted a 49.6% increase in second-quarter net profit on Wednesday, beating estimates.
Air Arabia 
AIRARABIA slipped 0.8% as the low-cost carrier posted a 10% drop in second-quarter net profit attributable.
Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index 
TASI inched up 0.1%, aided by gains in consumer staples, finance, and real estate.
Saudi Industrial investment 
2250 climbed 4.4% and Saudi National Bank 
1180, the kingdom’s largest lender by assets, added 0.9%. Saudi Printing And Packaging 
4270 surged 8.4% after it said it has signed a financing agreement with Saudi Research and Media Group.
The Abu Dhabi benchmark index 
FADGI traded in a narrow range as gains in technology, real estate and industry stocks offset losses in consumer staples, energy and communication shares.
RAK Properties 
RAKPROP was up 1.3% after the real estate developer reported a 95% jump in second-quarter net profit. Investcorp Capital 
ICAP slid 1.3% after reporting a 22% drop in full-year net profit on Wednesday.