MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Gulf markets gain despite US tariff worries

By Ateeq Shariff

Feb 20 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Thursday, as investors cautiously shrugged off concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs threats and the Federal Reserve's dovish tone.

Trump has been making waves with his tariff announcements this week, targeting a broad range of imports, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductor chips, and lumber. The big one, though, is the impending tariff on autos, set to kick in as early as April 2.

These moves have investors on edge, fearing an all-out trade war. However, some analysts believe Trump's aggressive stance is simply a negotiating tactic.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index .TASI gained 0.6%, helped by a 2.1% rise in the country's biggest lender Saudi National Bank 1180.SE.

Among other gainers, Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily) 7020.SE, extended gains for a second session, following a significant increase in its annual profit. Mobily also proposed a higher cash dividend for the second half of the year.

Elsewhere, oil behemoth Saudi Aramco 2222.SE added 0.2%. Aramco signed an agreement to acquire a 25% equity stake in Unioil Petroleum Philippines.

In Abu Dhabi, the index .FTFADGI finished 0.5% higher, with Aldar Properties ALDAR.AD rising 2%.

Dubai's main share index .DFMGI fell 0.2%, hit by a 1.2% fall in top lender Emirates NBD ENBD.DU.

Minutes of the Fed's last policy meeting showed Trump's initial policy proposals raised concerns about higher inflation and affirmed a continued pause on rate cuts. That impacts monetary policy in the Gulf, where most currencies, including the riyal, are pegged to the dollar.

The Qatari index .QSI added 0.1%, with the Gulf's biggest lender Qatar National Bank QNBK.QA gaining 0.4%.

Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index .EGX30 nudged 0.1% higher, helped by a 1% increase in Talaat Moustafa Group TMGH.CA.