Dec 11 Reuters Most stock markets in the Gulf region edged higher in early trade on Thursday as investors awaited U.S. inflation data, due later in the day, and further economic news this week.

The U.S. Federal Reserve will trim interest rates by 25 basis points at its Dec. 18 meeting, according to 90 of economists polled by Reuters, with most expecting a ratecut pause in lateJanuary amid concerns over rising inflation risks.

News on Friday that the U.S. job market continued to cool but remained relatively resilient solidified expectations that the Fed can afford to cut rates again before taking stock of the government policy early next year.

The Fed39;s decisions impact monetary policy in the Gulf, where most currencies, including the Saudi riyal, are pegged to the U.S. dollar.

Saudi Arabia39;s benchmark index climbed 0.1, helped by a 0.5 rise in aluminium products manufacturer Al Taiseer Group.

Qatar39;s bluechip index gained 0.4, with the Gulf39;s biggest lender Qatar National Bank rising 0.9.

The Abu Dhabi index rose 0.1.

Oil a catalyst for the Gulf39;s financial markets  advanced, with investors expecting demand to rise in the world39;s largest crude importer, after Beijing announced a looser monetary policy to stimulate economic growth in China.

However, Dubai39;s main share index slipped 0.3, on course to extend losses to a second session, hit by a 1.8 fall in Dubai ELectricity and Water Authority.

The United Arab Emirates starting January will impose a…