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DUBAI - Here are some factors that may affect Middle East stock markets on Wednesday. Reuters has not verified the press reports and does not vouch for their accuracy.
INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL
* GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian shares slip, Microsoft's brisk earnings boost tech sector
* Oil rises as U.S. oil stockpiles drop, new Chinese COVID-19 cases decline
* MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Gulf markets ease in line with Asian stocks
* PRECIOUS-Gold steady ahead of U.S. Fed policy decision
* Middle East Crude-Benchmarks dip as trading activity winds down
* POLL-Gulf's 2021 rebound likely to be slower than previously forecast
* At U.N., Washington assures support for two-state solution in Middle East
* EXCLUSIVE-U.N. report accuses Yemen government of money-laundering, Houthis of taking state revenue
* U.N. says still concerns about Yemen trade despite U.S. allowing Houthi deals
* Israel's top general says its military is refreshing operational plans against Iran
* Tunisia's parliament approves Cabinet reshuffle amid protests
* Lebanese lawyers seek to halt liquidation of UK-registered firm possibly linked to Beirut blast
* Algeria cuts February Saharan crude OSP - Sonatrach
* Iran will take steps next month to curb short-notice IAEA inspections - official
* Iran's oil exports rise in January despite sanctions - trackers
* Iran urges Biden to lift sanctions affecting medicines as it fights COVID-19
* Iran will take steps next month to curb short-notice IAEA inspections - official
* Iran approves Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V
* Iranian-American facing spying charges arrested as he tried to leave Iran
* Indonesia escorts seized Iran, Panama-flagged tankers to dock for investigation
* France wants more U.S. 'realism' in dealing with Lebanon's Hezbollah
* Israeli head of mission arrives in Morocco, Israel says
* Jordan buys 120,000 tonnes feed barley in tender – trade
* Iraq's local rice purchases fall to 260,000 T for 2020-2021 season -ministry
EGYPT
* Egypt using development finance to boost private sector-minister
SAUDI ARABIA
* Saudi Arabia to allow payment of work permit-related residencies on quarterly basis -SPA
* Saudi Arabia raises $5.5 billion via dual-tranche bonds
* Saudi Aramco may sell more shares if market is right -PIF
* Saudi economy forecast to grow 2.6% this year - IMF
* Saudi in talks with COVID vaccine makers to supply Yemen, African states - finance minister
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
* UAE's biggest bank FAB posts 16% drop in 2020 net profit
* Blast heard in Saudi capital Riyadh - Reuters correspondent
OMAN
* Oman LNG offers five cargoes for April-October -industry sources
(Compiled by Dubai newsroom) ((dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com))