March 21 Reuters Most stock markets in the Gulf closed higher on Thursday, led by the Saudi index, joining a global rally as investors cheered the U.S. Federal Reserve39;s indication that it will still deliver three rate cuts this year.

The Fed kept borrowing costs unchanged on Wednesday and signaled they still expect to ease interest rates by threequarters of a percentage point by the end of 2024.

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

Saudi Arabia39;s benchmark index advanced 0.8 after previous session of losses, lifted by gains in finance and communications services sectors.

Al Rajhi Bank, the world39;s largest Islamic lender, soared 4.5, the highest intraday rise in nearly three years, while the kingdom39;s largest lender, Saudi National Bank, climbed 2.2.

In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark index was up for a fourth straight session and ended 0.2 higher, supported by a 1.1 rise in Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, and a 1.6 gain in Aldar Properties.

The Qatari benchmark index edged up 0.1 after a second consecutive session of losses, with most sectors in the green.

Ooredoo gained 1.3 and the region39;s largest lender, Qatar National Bank, added 0.3.

Dubai39;s benchmark index fell 0.3, dragged down by losses in real estate, utilities, finance and communication services sectors. Emirates NBD, the emirate39;s largest lender, dropped 1.1 and bluechip…