Exclusive - HSBC side-steps high-profile Qatar deals in Gulf gauntlet

DUBAI/LONDON (Reuters/IFR) - A boycott of Qatar by its neighbours has prompted HSBCto turn down a leading role on Doha's new dollar bond as the bank treads a political tightrope in the Gulf, four banking sources familiar with the decision told Reuters.Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt in June cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar, which they accuse of backing terrorism.The move initially hit Qatar's growth but by the end of 2017 its economy had largely recovered.