The aggressive expansion is attracting U.S. filmmakers who want to tap the fast-growing market with China-friendly themes that make government censors happy.

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Earlier readings had indicated Pier Luigi Bersani's center-left coalition government, seen as the most market-friendly group, had a commanding lead.

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Australia earlier renewed John Howard's tenure in a government of the right that has followed on market-friendly policies of a pioneering Labor prime minister, Paul Keating.

FORBES

The government candidate, Jose Serra, and the man with the most market-friendly policies, is currently trailing in third place in the opinion polls, although that might change when he gets the largest share of free television time from mid-August.

ECONOMIST: America to the rescue? | The