Most Gulf markets slightly higher

DUBAI: Most stock markets in the Gulf ended slightly higher on Wednesday, as the US government shutdown raised concerns about the delay in the release of crucial jobs data, clouding future interest rate trends.

The US government shut down much of its operations as partisan divisions prevented Congress and the White House from reaching a funding deal, setting off what could be a long, grueling standoff that could lead to the loss of thousands of federal jobs.

The shutdown could also delay the release of key economic data, including the non-farm payrolls report due on Friday.

Monetary policy shifts in the US have a significant impact on Gulf markets, where most currencies are pegged to the dollar.