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

INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL

* GLOBAL MARKETS-Stocks extend record rally, sterling endures rough week 

* Oil prices down but log third weekly rise on trade hopes 

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Financials buoy Saudi shares; Aramco's retreat continues 

* PRECIOUS-Palladium drops over 5% as investors lock in profits; gold subdued 

* Lebanon PM designate says he wants government soon, will no be under Hezbollah sway 

* Europeans to toughen up Iran stance but shy away from sanctions - diplomats 

* Iraq's Sistani says early election only way out of crisis 

* Erdogan says Turkey will retaliate against possible U.S. sanctions 

* Algerians protest after new president inaugurated 

* Eastern Libyan forces seize ship with a Turkish crew -spokesman 

* Iran's Rouhani welcomes Japan opt-out of U.S.-led naval mission in Gulf 

* Turkish parliament approves 2020 budget 

* Warring Yemen parties carry out prisoner swap in front-line Taiz 

EGYPT

* BRIEF-Egypt's EFG Hermes Closes EGP 400 Mln Short-Term Bond Transaction 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Twitter suspends accounts linked to Saudi spying case 

* EXCLUSIVE-US probe of Saudi oil attack shows it came from north -report 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* BRIEF-NMC Health Says Independent Non-Exec Director Lord Clanwilliam Bought 1700 Shares At 1450.3263P/Share 

* NMC Health calls Muddy Waters report "false and misleading" 

QATAR

* INTERVIEW-Soccer-Arabs deserve their World Cup says Qatari chief 

* Qatar to change crude oil pricing from March-loading cargoes - sources

KUWAIT

* BRIEF-Jazeera Airways Says Delivery Of A Brand New A320 Neo Aircraft On Dec 20 

* MSCI to boost Kuwait equities with 2020 emerging markets upgrade 

(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom) ((dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com))