There's a great deal of talk lately about an alleged 'Beijing Consensus' in which repressive authoritarian dictatorships will allegedly guide mixed economies toward global economic domination.

FORBES

Sales in southern Europe - including Italy and Greece - fell 8% but remained profitable, while in northern Europe they rose 11%, reflecting the mixed fortunes of the various eurozone economies.

BBC: Currys-owner Dixons reports strong Christmas sales

Meanwhile, economic data were mixed for Europe's main economies.

WSJ: European Stocks Rise

In the big emerging economies the ideal is to have a mixed banking system with a big state presence, some perky private banks, and a few foreigners to keep the locals honest.

ECONOMIST: Banks in emerging markets

The fact is, even in this depressed world situation, economies that are export oriented, high-tech and can expand domestic services - including mixed-economy health services - are growing.

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