Major Gulf markets mixed in early trade--

Major stock markets in the Gulf were mixed in early trade on Wednesday amid rising recession fears in the United States, with the Saudi index on course to end five-day winning streak, reports Reuters.
US Consumer confidence fell to a nine-month low in April, a survey showed, intensifying concerns of a potential recession. Asian markets remained subdued.
Saudi Arabia's benchmark index dropped 0.3 per cent, on course snap a five-session gains, hit by a 1.1 per cent drop in oil giant Saudi Aramco.
Dubai's main share index retreated 0.6 per cent, weighed down by a 3.2 per cent slide in Emaar Properties PJSC.
The United Arab Emirates needs time to demonstrate the effectiveness and enforcement of policies introduced against financial crime before it can be removed from a global watchdog's 'grey' list, the economy minister told Reuters.
In Abu Dhabi, the index gained 0.2 per cent.
Oil - a key catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - rose after plunging more than 2 per cent in the previous session as reports of falling US crude oil and fuel inventories refocused investors on robust demand in the world's top oil consumer.
US crude oil stocks fell by about 6.1 million barrels in the week ended April 21, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute (API) figures on Tuesday.
Analysts had expected crude inventories to fall by about 1.5 million barrels.
The Qatari index - which traded after a three session break - advanced 1.3 per cent and was on track to snap a seven-day losing streak, with Qatar Islamic Bank QPSC rising 2.2 per cent.