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-Asia shares falter on China unease, pound finds some peace

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Banks elevate Saudi, blue-chips lift Egypt 

* OiRecord U.S. crude production weighs on oil prices 

* PRECIOUS-Gold steady as firmer dollar counters political uncertainties

* Blast claimed by Islamic State kills U.S. troops in Syria 

* US sees Palestinian state on most of W.Bank, some of E.Jerusalem -Israeli TV 

* Iran says it will be ready for new satellite launch in a few months

* Iran calls for release of its journalist arrested in U.S. 

* Iran vows to will keep military forces in Syria despite Israeli threats 

* Iran sought 900,000 T corn, barley soymeal this week 

* Yemen combatants start talks in Jordan on prisoner swap deal 

* U.N. Security Council approves up to 75 Yemen truce monitors

* Lebanese cbank targets stable pound, says bank deposits rose in 2018 

* Tunisia PM says strike will be costly but can't raise wages further 

* Morocco’s economy set to grow 2.9 pct in 2019 -planning agency 

 

EGYPT

* Egypt secures $1.2 bln from China EximBank for light rail to new capital -minister 

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Russian sovereign wealth fund to boost deals with Saudi Arabia 

* Saudi's Samba bank 2018 profit up 10 percent, meets forecasts 

* Saudi Arabia to start developing NEOM business zone in Q1 -state news agency

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* India's Jet Airways in creditor talks over possible Etihad bailout 

* Dubai Islamic Bank set to raise $750 mln in sukuk 

* Loan growth, higher margins boost Emirates NBD Q4 net profit 

 

QATAR

* Qatar Islamic Bank Q4 profit rises 19 pct 

(Reporting By Dubai newsroom) ((Dubai.Newsroom@thomsonreuters.com))