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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))