Mideast Stocks: Gulf markets fall on expectations of big U.S. rate hike

Mideast Stocks: Gulf markets fall on expectations of big U.S. rate hike

Gulf bourses fell on Wednesday, mirroring global markets concerned about another big U.S. Federal Reserve rate hike.

Stock markets were in a sober mood after the U.S. August inflation report dashed hopes that the Fed could scale back its rate policy tightening in the coming months.

Investor sentiment in the GCC was also subdued as the report fuelled bets that interest rates may have to be raised higher for longer. Most GCC currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar and broadly follow the Fed's policy moves.

Meanwhile, oil prices fell 0.4%, to $92.79 a barrel by 0407 GMT, despite a robust OPEC oil demand growth forecast.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index fell 1.3%, with financial and property stocks leading the losses. Luxury developer Retal Urban Development Company fell more than 2% and lender Al Rajhi Bank dropped 1.9%.

Oil behemoth Saudi Aramco was also down 0.7%.

A day after recording its biggest intraday surge in nearly three months on the back of Salik's IPO plan, the Dubai index fell 0.9%, dragged by financial and property stocks.

Dubai's largest lender Emirates NBD Bank and Emaar Properties shares slid 2.3% and 1.8% respectively.

Banking shares also dragged Abu Dhabi 0.2% lower, as it ended a five day rally, with the country's