DUBAI  - Here are some factors that may affect Middle East stock markets on Thursday. Reuters has not verified the press reports and does not vouch for their accuracy.

INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL

* GLOBAL MARKETS-Stocks retreat, bonds advance as simmering trade woes curb risk appetite

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Region mostly soft, some Saudi stocks surge on positive news

* Oil prices stable on healthy demand, but oversupply looms later in 2018

* PRECIOUS-Gold inches up as trade fears weigh on stocks

* Middle East Crude-Benchmarks recover, Murban sells at discount

* Gaza's economic plight requires trade, not just aid - World Bank

* Syrian Red Crescent says convoy to enter Douma in besieged Ghouta

* Iran and Russia sign deal to develop two oilfields - Iranian state TV

* Iraq to increase Kirkuk oilfields output to supply refineries

* Iran plays down potential impact of Pompeo appointment on nuclear deal

* Fitch: Global Growth Is Booming, Central Banks Turning Less Cautious

* BlackRock overweight local currency EM debt, sees buffer in spreads

EGYPT

* Egypt's GASC seeks wheat for April 15-25 shipment

* Egypt buys 29,500 tonnes of sunflower oil, 37,000 tonnes soyoil in tender

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi home finance firm BHF announces debut sukuk programme

* Saudi Arabia to keep April crude oil exports under 7 mln bpd - ministry

* Saudi Arabia wants mortgage market to grow to $134 bln by 2020

* TABLE-Saudi Dec exports rise, imports fall y/y

* Prince Alwaleed sells stake in Four Seasons hotel in Damascus- FT

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* TABLE-UAE's Fujairah oil inventory data for week ended March 12

* Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank hires banks for U.S. dollar bond - lead bank

QATAR

* Facing boycott, Qatar focuses on self-reliance in five-year plan

KUWAIT

* Moody's says outlook on Kuwait's Banking System remains stable as robust economy supports asset quality and business growth

 

(Compiled by Dubai newsroom)