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The majority of Gulf bourses follow the global rally as Fed's easement bets increase

Investors increased their bets on the U.S. Federal Reserve to support the world's biggest economy.

CME Fedwatch says that the soft U.S. payroll data on Friday has increased the odds of a Fed rate cut in September. This is a significant increase from the 63% chance it had at the beginning of the week.

The Fed's interest rate movements have a major impact on the Gulf Region's monetary policies because the majority of their currencies are pegged with the U.S. Dollar.

Dubai's benchmark index of stocks rose 0.6% on the back of gains in shares related to real estate, utilities, and industry sectors.

Emaar Properties increased by 1.5%, and Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation grew by 1.7%. EMPOWER, a provider of district cooling services, reported a 15.3% rise in net profit for the quarter attributable directly to shareholders.

Dubai's non oil sector also showed solid growth, with the PMI increasing to 53.5 from 51.8 in May, mainly due to a marked improvement in sales volume.

After two consecutive sessions in which it had fallen, the benchmark Abu Dhabi index gained 0.3%. This was boosted by an increase of 2.4% in Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and a gain of 1.3% in Burjeel Holding.

The benchmark Qatari index rose 0.2% thanks to a 1.3% increase in the telecom services provider Ooredoo, and a 0.8% rise in Qatar Islamic Bank.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index rose 0.2% at the opening of trading. The majority of sectors, including IT, real estate, and healthcare stocks, were in positive territory.

ADES Holding grew 2.3%, while Elm Company, a digital security company, gained 3%. ADES, a Norwegian oil drilling company, has agreed to purchase Shelf Drilling from Oslo's listed rival for 3.9 billion Norwegian Crowns ($379.33 millions) in cash.

Saudi Aramco was, however, down by 0.3%. Aramco, the oil giant, reported a 22% decline in its second-quarter profits, due primarily to lower revenues, and increased debt. Reporting by Md. Manzer Hussain, Editing by Helen Popper

(source: Reuters)