MIDEAST STOCKS-Markets boosted by firmer oil, gains in global equities | Reuters:
"A rebound in oil prices and global equities boosted Middle East stock markets on Thursday, though trading volumes were modest because of the absence of many foreign investors for Christmas and the approach of Saudi Arabia's budget announcement.
The Saudi stock index edged up 0.1 percent to 6,942 points, closing well off its intra-day high of 6,999 points. Much activity focused on second- or third-tier speculative stocks favoured by local retail investors such as Saudi Printing and Packaging Co, up 9.4 percent, and Saudi Fisheries , up 1.9 percent.
Blue chips underperformed and petrochemical stocks were weak, with Saudi Basic Industries dropping 1.2 percent.
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