Nov 15 Reuters Most major stock markets in the Gulf rose in early trade on Wednesday, tracking Asian shares higher in anticipation of stimulus in China and an end to rate hikes in the United States.

U.S. headline consumer prices were flat in October, against expectations of a 0.1 rise, data showed on Tuesday. Core CPI, at 0.2, also came in below a forecast of 0.3.

Monetary policy in the sixmember 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 Arabia39;s benchmark index rose 0.8, with Elm Co gaining 2 and Al Rajhi Bank rising 2.2.

Saudi Aramco retreated 1.2, as the firm traded exdividend.

The kingdom39;s annual inflation rate eased to 1.6 in October, from 1.7 the previous month, government data showed on Wednesday, with residential rents once again the main driver.

The Qatari benchmark advanced 1.3, with almost all sectors rising including petrochemical maker Industries Qatar, which was up 2.1.

In Abu Dhabi, the index added 0.1.

Oil prices often a catalyst for Gulf financial markets  rose as China39;s factory output and retail sales beat expectations, a day after the International Energy Agency IEA raised its oil demand growth forecast for this year.

Dubai39;s main share index, however, eased 0.1, hit by a 2.6 decline in diversified investment group Dubai Investments.

Separately, Dubai39;s main airport recorded 22.9 million passengers in the third quarter,…