MIDEAST STOCKS-Gulf markets end mixed on tariff concerns

By Ateeq Shariff

April 17 (Reuters) - Stock markets in the Gulf ended mixed on Thursday as uncertainties around U.S. tariff policies and fears of an economic slowdown remained top concerns for investors.

Traders are waiting for signs of progress on negotiations between U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and its trading partners, including the ongoing trade talks with Japan. The direction of any potential discussions with China remains the biggest overhang.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index .TASI declined 0.7%, hit by a 0.5% fall in Al Rajhi Bank 1120.SE and a 2.1% decline in Saudi Arabian Mining Company 1211.SE.

The market could remain vulnerable to developments related to external factors, especially trade tensions, said George Pavel General Manager at Naga.com Middle East.

"However, the upcoming first-quarter earnings releases could potentially act as a catalyst, influencing market direction and possibly providing support."

Dubai's main share index .DFMGI reversed early losses to finish 0.2% higher, helped by a 6.8% jump in Parkin Company PARKIN.DU.

Investors were also digesting comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who warned of the risk of slowing growth and rising prices due to tariffs.

In Abu Dhabi, the index .FTFADGI concluded flat.

According to Pavel, despite oil prices stabilizing somewhat after their recent decline, they remained at lower levels and provided only limited support to the market.

Oil prices rose to the highest in two weeks amid low liquidity ahead of the Easter holidays after the United States imposed new sanctions to curb Iranian oil exports, elevating supply concerns.

The Qatari index .QSI dropped 0.6%, with Qatar Islamic Bank QISB.QA losing 2.8%.

Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index .EGX30 edged 0.1% higher, with Commercial International Bank COMI.CA rising 0.9%.