Dec 18 Reuters Major Gulf markets were subdued in early trade on Monday after the New York Federal Reserve president pushed back against expectations of imminent rate cuts, although rising oil prices limited losses.

New York Fed President John Williams on Friday said the central bank remained focused on bringing inflation down to its target of 2 and added it was 39;premature39; to discuss rate cuts at this point.

Most Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, have their currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar and follow the Fed39;s policy moves closely, exposing the region to a direct impact from monetary tightening in the world39;s largest economy.

Saudi Arabia39;s benchmark index eased 0.2, hit by a 1.3 fall in Al Rajhi Bank and a 0.7 decrease in Alinma Bank.

On the other hand, oil giant Saudi Aramco added 0.3.

Oil prices rose in Asian trade, rising nearly 1 in early trade, supported by lower exports from Russia and as attacks by the Houthis on ships in the Red Sea raised concerns of oil supply disruption.

Dubai39;s main share index lost 0.2, with bluechip developer Emaar Properties losing 0.1.

In Abu Dhabi, the index was down 0.1.

Markets in Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar were closed.

Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; Editing by Janane Venkatraman

Source Reuters