Feb 27 Reuters Most stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Tuesday as investors await key U.S. economic data due later in the week.

Inflation data from several major economies and manufacturing figures out of China are in focus this week. Most closely monitored will be Thursday39;s release of the U.S. personal consumption expenditures price index, which the Federal Reserve uses to track its 2 inflation target.

Markets have already pushed out the potential timing of first easing of rates from May to June, with the current probability priced at around 70. Futures imply a little more than three quarterpoint cuts this year, down from five at the beginning of the month. 

Most Gulf currencies are pegged to the dollar and any monetary policy change in the United States is usually followed by Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia39;s benchmark index gained 0.6, led by a 0.5 rise in Al Rajhi Bank and a 2 increase in Saudi Arabian Mining Co.

Elsewhere, Avalon Pharma surged 30 in market debut.

In Abu Dhabi, the index added 0.3.

Dubai39;s main share index advanced 1.2, with top lender Emirates NBD jumping 4.

Separately, the Dubai government is selling a 24.99 stake in Parkin, which oversees public parking operations in the emirate, through an initial public offering in the emirate39;s first privatisation deal this year, Parkin said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Qatari benchmark finished 0.5 higher, as most of its constituents were in positive…