MIDEAST STOCKS-Steadier oil, global equities may help Gulf consolidate

Gulf stock markets may consolidate on Thursday as oil prices appear to be steadying after wild swings this week and global equities are more stable with China closed for holidays. Oil has edged down on Thursday on an unexpected build in U.S. crude inventories and a stronger dollar, but a recovery in Asian shares after Wall Street posted a near 2 percent gain overnight is helping support oil. Other Gulf stock markets closed earlier in the day, when oil was weaker.