LONDON: Stock markets in the Gulf closed higher on Thursday amid steady oil prices as a ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to be holding for a second day. Markets have been soothed by the ceasefire after 12 days of strikes on each other’s territory. US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would likely seek a commitment from Iran to end its nuclear ambitions at talks next week. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index extended its gains to a fourth straight session, rising 0.9 percent, with most sectors in the green.

All three major averages rose on Monday, despite Iran's retaliatory attack on an American military base in Qatar.

Futures on WTI oil tumbled more than 3 per cent to US$66.21 a barrel in Asian trading hours, tempering concerns about inflation.