Key Gulf markets gain ahead of earnings season | Reuters

Key Gulf markets gain ahead of earnings season | Reuters

Most major stock markets in the Gulf edged higher in early trading on Monday ahead of the usual flurry of quarterly and full-year corporate results, although regional conflict weighed on sentiment.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) gained 0.5%, on course to snap a five-day losing streak, led by a 3% rise in Elm Co (7203.SE) and a 1.1% increase in auto rental firm Lumi (4262.SE).

The kingdom's annual inflation rate eased to 1.5% in December, from 1.7% the previous month, government data showed on Monday, driven by housing rent increases.

Inflation remained relatively low in Saudi Arabia last year compared to global levels, with government policies limiting the impact of international price increases.

The Qatari index (.QSI) added 0.3%, with sharia-compliant lender Masraf Al Rayan (MARK.QA) rising 1.8%.

Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) edged 0.1% higher, helped by a 1.2% gain in toll operator Salik (SALIK.DU).

In Abu Dhabi, the index (.FTFAD) fell 0.1%, hit by a 0.8% fall in conglomerate International Holding (IHC.AD).

Oil prices edged up as traders watched for supply disruption risks in the Middle East following strikes by U.S. and British forces to stop Houthi militia in Yemen from attacking ships in the Red Sea.

On Sunday, the Houthi militia threatened a strong response after the United States carried out another strike overnight. The U.S. later said it shot down a missile fired at one of its ships from Houthi militant areas of Yemen.