July 15 Reuters Major stock markets in the Gulf dropped in early trading on Monday, tracking losses in global markets, as investors wagered that the attack on U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump made his victory more likely.

Saturday39;s shooting at Trump39;s election rally raises his odds of winning back the White House and betting on his victory will increase, investors said.

Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign rally Saturday after a major security lapse, an attack that will likely reshape this year39;s presidential race and fuel fears that the campaign could descend into political violence.

Saudi Arabia39;s benchmark index dropped 0.3, hit by a 4.1 fall in Al Taiseer Group.

In Qatar, the index was down 0.4, weighed down by a 0.9 fall in Qatar Islamic Bank.

Oil a catalyst for the Gulf39;s financial markets  held its ground, with political uncertainty in the U.S. and the Middle East supporting prices, offsetting downward pressure from a stronger dollar and weak demand in top importer China.

A senior Hamas official said on Sunday the Islamist group has not withdrawn from ceasefire talks with Israel after this weekend39;s deadly attacks in Gaza that Israel said had targeted the group39;s military leader Mohammed Deif.

Dubai39;s main share index was flat.

In Abu Dhabi, the index lost 0.1.

Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur

Source Reuters