Peru's Humala scares away investors

The slightest prospect of a socialist market economy in Peru is scaring away investors.

A private Consumer Price Index poll conducted late last night favored left-wing presidential candidate Ollanta Humala by 0.5 percent over right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori, daughter of imprisoned autocratic former president Alberto Fujimori.

Today, Peruvian stocks were down by 2 percent and the Peruvian nuevo sol was nearly halved, currently standing at 2.8 sols to a dollar.

Investors say they stand by Fujimori, a Columbia University business graduate.

In recent years, Humala has attempted to shirk ties with former mentor Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and run as a moderate.

Still, Humala has promised to strengthen the state's role in the economy and revise free-trade agreements.

The elections will be held this Sunday.