ECB marginal lending rate for the euro area 2.90% to Oct 29; expected 2.90%, prior 2.90%.

Japan Coast Guard said on the morning of Oct. 30 a tugboat en route to the Philippines caught fire in waters near Miyako Island. Six Japanese crew were aboard; their condition is unknown. Japan Coast Guard aircraft and patrol vessels are reportedly en route to the scene.

France's finance minister said on Thursday Europe will release 42 mln barrels of oil into markets over the next three months to help curb energy prices, with roughly half the volume in diesel. He said 10 mln barrels of diesel that France announced last month will hit markets within days, with price effects possible as soon as next week; the supply will be sold at cost and is expected to lower diesel by about 12–18 euro cents per litre. The G7 agreed last month to release up to 100 mln barrels; under IEA coordination 400 mln barrels were released in March. He said diesel is "at the core of the challenge" and Europe retains the option to release further strategic reserves.