REFILE-Chile stocks flat in mixed trade, peso firms

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SANTIAGO, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Chilean stocks were flat in mixed trade on Tuesday, with gains by retailers offsetting losses as final earnings reports rolled in, while the peso rose from a six-week low against the dollar.

The all-market IGPA stock index .IGPA edged up 0.01 percent to 13,990 points, while the blue-chip IPSA .IPSA slipped 0.02 percent to 2,925.

"In spite of last week's inflation surprise and a likely central bank rate hike, the sharp decline in retail stocks has not been justified," said Patricio Hernandez, an analyst with the Banchile brokerage.

The central bank is expected on Thursday to raise its benchmark rate 50 basis points to 7.75 percent to curb inflation, which was reported last week at 9.5 percent over the last 12 months.

"Retailer earnings have in general surprised on the upside, operating results have been stronger than expected. It supports the positive vision we've had," said Hernandez.

Blue-chip percentage gains were led by department store retailers Ripley RIP.SN, which rose 2.90 percent after reporting first half profit up 12.8 percent, and by La Polar LAP.SN, up 2.7 percent.

Other gains included fertilizer exporter SQM SQM_pb.SN, whose shares advanced 2.61 percent.

Over the last month, SQM has pared its year-to-date gain to about 90 percent.