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 defensive, set for monthly loss on bond rout 

* Oil rises on expectations OPEC+ will maintain supply discipline 

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Abu Dhabi outperforms Gulf markets 

* PRECIOUS-Gold faces headwinds from strong China factory data 

* Saudi Arabia announces $1.3 trln private sector investment push led by Aramco, SABIC 

* OPEC+ panel says uncertainties may impact oil demand recovery 

* Suez Canal works to clear backlog as shipping convoys resume 

* Saudi wants OPEC+ to extend oil cuts into June, source says 

* Iran rejects ending 20% enrichment before U.S. lifts sanctions -state TV 

* EU set to sanction more Iranians for rights abuses, first since 2013, diplomats say

* After firing Turkey's cenbank chief, Erdogan also removes deputy 

 

EGYPT

* EFG Hermes Says Sovereign Fund Of Egypt Subscribes In Egypt Education Fund

* Egypt's Sisi says response will be felt if water supply affected by dam 

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi finmin says 24 local private sector firms to invest in new programme 

* JP Morgan sees OPEC+ rollover to May, Saudi to extend its cuts by two months 

* GCC Consulting Market Contracts 12.4% in 2020 - Source Global Research

* Saudi Arabia's Fawaz Alhokair bets on retail rebound, to open new stores 

* OPEC internal report sees oil stocks falling more in 2021

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

*

* MEDIA-U. S. climate envoy Kerry headed to India, UAE for climate talks - WSJ 

 

QATAR

* Qatar Petroleum takes over ownership of first-ever LNG plant

* Ooredoo Group Announces $750 Mln Deal For Sale Of More Than 4,200 Telecoms Towers In Indonesia

KUWAIT

* Kuwait parliament passes COVID-19 relief bill after govt takes oath 

 

OMAN

* Oman hopes ceasefire in Yemen is agreed 'very soon' -ONA 

 

BAHRAIN

* Investcorp Acquires Investis Digital 

* Bahrain appoints head of diplomatic mission to Israel 

(Compiled by Dubai newsroom) ((dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com))