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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-Stocks under a cloud as US political tumult adds to growth anxiety
* MIDEAST STOCKS-Global market woes hurt Gulf, merger talk sends Riyad Bank to 4-year high
* U.S. oil prices rebound after tumbling to lowest since June 2017 on economy fears
* PRECIOUS-Gold holds near six-month peak on weak risk appetite
* Iranian president presents budget, says U.S. sanctions to hit growth
* Syria state media says Israeli planes attack targets near Damascus
* Several dead in suicide attack on Libyan foreign ministry
* Russia's RDIF considers investing in Arctic LNG 2 with Saudi Aramco - RIA
* Putin has no plans to contact Saudi Arabia over weak oil prices - Kremlin
EGYPT
* POLL-Egypt seen holding key interest rates as inflation retreats
* EGYTRANS Considering To Invest In Rail Goods Transport
SAUDI ARABIA
* Saudi Riyad bank shares rally after it begins merger talks with NCB
* Saudi Electricity Obtains 2.4 Bln Riyals Bilateral Facility
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
* Invest Bank GM to meet on Dec 29 to approve increase investment by Government of Sharjah
* Drake and Scull board to replace Abdulla Atatreh as chairman
* UAE's Empower settles $728 mln loan in full
* Dana Gas Says Goldilocks Investment Increases Stake To 5.16 Pct
KUWAIT
* Kuwait light crude output expected to rise to 250,000 bpd in 3 years- KUNA
* Oil minister says Kuwait committed to recent OPEC, non-OPEC agreement- KUNA
BAHRAIN
* Bahrain oil products to be excluded from VAT implementation
(Reporting By Dubai newsroom) ((Dubai.Newsroom@thomsonreuters.com))