Despite some goodish results in recent local elections, it is in no shape for a real showdown.

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But perhaps not and even a goodish result for Mr Lavin (over 35% of the vote) would point to a deeper lesson for Chile's right.

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But there is some goodish news: It's farthest advanced in the U.S. It says private-sector deleveraging may be complete in two years, freeing it to stimulate growth again.

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Its economy is growing at a steady pace (about 3% next year is the latest guess) with a goodish spread of high-tech and service industries, especially in media and telecoms.

ECONOMIST: Germany