U.S. retail sales fell in October, though by less than expected, after months of strong gains, pointing to slowing demand that could further strengthen expectations that the Federal Reserve is done hiking interest rates.
Monetary policy in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is usually guided by the decisions of the U.S. Federal Reserve, as most regional currencies are pegged to the dollar.
Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) gained 0.5%, with Etihad Atheeb Telecommunication (7040.SE) advancing 5.1% and oil behemoth Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) rising 0.5%.
The kingdom's crude oil exports in September rose 3% from the previous month to 5.75 million barrels per day (bpd), data from the Joint Organizations Data Initiative (JODI) showed on Thursday.
Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) added 0.6%, led by a 1.2% gain in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties (EMAR.DU).
The Dubai stock market rebounded to a certain extent but continued to see significant volatility and uncertainty, said George Khoury, global head of education and research at CFI.
"While the main index remained within a range for most of this month, changing expectations regarding US monetary policy could support sentiment and could help the market see gains."
In Abu Dhabi, the index (.FTFADGI) added 0.4%.
The Qatari benchmark (.QSI) was up 0.4%, with petrochemical maker Industries Qatar (IQCD.QA) advancing 1.7% and a 1.1% increase in Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA).
The Qatari stock market recorded more gains, supported by the banking sector, and could extend its rebound after moving beyond its previous peak, said Khoury.
"However, the market could see some risks from the performance in natural gas markets where uncertainty could weigh on sentiment."
Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) advanced 1%.
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