(MENAFN- The Rio Times) Chile entered the final campaign stretch with debates, polling gaps, and pocketbook issues front and center.

Inflation eased back into the target band, reinforcing a cautious central bank stance. In resources, Codelco trimmed 2025 output guidance even as its lithium pivot drew international recognition.

Human-rights policy moved with the decision to end Punta Peuco's special status. Trade signals pointed to a faster India track with critical minerals in view.
1. October inflation eased into the target band (Nov 1–8)
INE's October CPI was essentially flat month over month, pulling annual inflation to roughly 3.4%. Core pressures softened and goods discounts played a role. The print supports stability in real incomes ahead of the vote.

Summary: Inflation cooled enough to sit back within the 2–4% target range.

Why it matters: Lower inflation reduces pressure on rates and household budgets in the election's final days.
2. Central Bank stayed on hold and data-dependent (Nov 1–8)
Following its Oct 28 decision to hold at 4.75%, the Board kept an easing bias without pre-committing. Officials emphasized incoming data on inflation dynamics and activity. Markets priced a cautious glide path.

Summary: Policy remained steady with careful guidance into year-end.

Why it matters: Predictable policy helps anchor expectations and reduces election-week volatility.
3. Government moved to end Punta Peuco's special status (Nov 1–8)
The administration advanced the integration of Punta Peuco into the regular prison system. The step reshapes how sentences for dictatorship-era crimes are served. Reactions cut along familiar political lines.

Summary: A symbolic human-rights shift reclassified a high-profile facility.

Why it matters: The decision energizes base voters and reframes justice debates before the first round.
4. Presidential race entered debate-heavy final stretch (Nov 1–8)
The nationwide ARCHI radio debate sharpened contrasts on security, prices, and growth. Candidates calibrated tone to attract median voters while preserving core support. Attention now turns to the final TV debate.

Summary: Debates clarified priorities without major gaffes.

Why it matters: With compulsory voting, small persuasion gains can swing runoff math.


5. Polls framed likely runoff scenarios (Nov 1–8)
Late-October/early-November surveys showed a tight Jara–Kast contest, with others competitive in specific regions. Second-round matchups varied, but cost-of-living remained decisive.

Summary: The race narrowed toward a polarized runoff.

Why it matters: Policy direction on crime, spending, and mining hinges on the final pairing.
6. Codelco trimmed 2025 copper guidance; lithium strategy advanced (Nov 1–8)
The state miner guided 2025 output to about 1.31–1.34 Mt amid El Teniente constraints and staged restarts. Separately, its Lithium Power/Maricunga deal earned international recognition, underscoring a public-private path in lithium.

Summary: Near-term copper volumes dipped while the lithium pivot gained credibility.

Why it matters: Copper softness meets lithium optionality, shaping revenues and the energy-transition pitch.
7. India–Chile CEPA talks advanced with minerals in focus (Nov 1–8)
Negotiators signaled momentum to wrap a comprehensive pact with chapters on critical minerals and services. The track complements India's regional trade push.

Summary: Trade talks moved faster with lithium content in view.

Why it matters: Preferential access can unlock investment and diversify buyers beyond China and the U.S.
8. Labor showed modest improvement into the vote (Nov 1–8)
The July–September unemployment rate edged down as employment rose alongside a larger labor force. Services hiring helped offset softness in goods.

Summary: The job market improved at the margins.

Why it matters: A steadier labor backdrop supports consumption and lowers social stress.
9. Enel Chile posted mixed results and guidance (Nov 1–8)
Generation mix, hydrology, and regulation shaped earnings beats and revenue misses. Management flagged disciplined capex and risk controls through year-end.

Summary: Results were resilient but sensitive to inputs and rules.

Why it matters: Utilities' stability influences price dynamics and investor appetite for Chilean assets.
10. Campaign calendar locked for the final TV debate (Nov 1–8)
Formats, moderators, and podium order were finalized for the November 10 ANATEL debate. All major candidates committed to attend.

Summary: One last national set piece will frame election-eve narratives.

Why it matters: The final debate can crystallize undecided voters and set expectations for November 16.

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