But the possible victory of the leftist Workers' Party (PT), led by three-time presidential election loser Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has also made investors nervous.

BBC: Brazil tightens belt to win $15bn loan

Blaming alleged dumping by multinationals at a time when world demand for polyethylene is down, PT Chandra Asri is running at only 60% of capacity since it opened in May.

CNN: T TAKES SOME NERVE

PT's leader, is likely to be its presidential candidate for a fourth time, and leads the opinion polls.

ECONOMIST: The battle begins for Cardoso’s succession | The