Mideast Stocks: Factors to watch on October 21

Mideast Stocks: Factors to watch on October 21

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-Stocks shuffle higher with a wary eye on Evergrande * Oil mixed, but solid U.S. demand underpins sentiment * PRECIOUS-Gold gains ground as weaker dollar lends support * MIDEAST STOCKS- drives Dubai bourse higher, Saudi at 15-year high * Damascus bomb kills 14, then army shells fall on rebel area kill 12 * U.S., European officials to discuss Iran on Friday in Paris -sources * POLL-Gulf economies to pick up speed next year, with fall in oil prices biggest risk * Kuwait's emir launches process for amnesty pardoning dissidents * UK foreign minister to discuss infrastructure in developing world in Gulf visit * Abu Dhabi crown prince, Syrian president discuss developments in Syria -WAM EGYPT * Fitch Affirms Egypt at 'B+'; Outlook Stable * E-finance rises 40% after pricing Egypt's largest IPO since 2015 SAUDI ARABIA * Saudi energy minister sees demand from gas-to-oil switch at up to 600,000 bpd * Sadafco Qtrly Profit Falls * Energy crisis is wake up call for more investment, forum hears UNITED