SINGAPORE (Oct 20): Asian stocks advanced in early trading on Thursday, propelled by strong U.S. earnings and a jump in oil prices to a 15-month high on Wednesday, ahead of the third and final U.S. presidential debate before the Nov. 8 election. With 70 companies in the S&P 500 having reported earnings through Wednesday morning, 80 percent have topped earnings expectations. The Mexican peso was little changed versus the dollar on Thursday before the debate, retaining this week's gains. With Trump's criticism of Mexican migration and trade putting the U.S's southern neighbour at a disadvantage if he wins, a stronger Mexican peso reflects a lower chance of a Trump win. The dollar was also steady against the yen, holding at 103.440 yen early on Thursday after falling 0.4 percent on Wednesday.

Source: The Edge Markets October 20, 2016 00:45 UTC