buying power stabilized and only recently increased.

Brazilian entrepreneurs noticed that industry promoted new habits.

foreign currencies defined the fluctuation rate of the Brazilian currency.

low income people entered the consumer market.

poor people maintained the consuming habits they had before the Real Plan.

cookies.

refrigerators.

rice.

sugar.

meals.

average salary of the lower-middle class increased.

class E started to consume computers and mobile phones.

the economically active population was larger in 1997.

all economic classes now equally consume items like 21-inch TVs and airline tickets.

the income of the socio-economic class B decreased.

as a general rule, people don't buy more than necessary.

the increase in certain electrical appliances sales shows that people care about entertainment or individual and family enjoyment.

new products and innovations boosted sales.

low-income people are drinking more soft drinks.

proved that the Real plan was a good solution.

took note of the entrepreneurs' analysis.

confirmed the economists' suspicions.

is specialized in low-income population behavior.

an unattainable goal in Latin American countries.

a positive component within the context in question

a future source of political and social insurgencies

a risky goal, especially in Mexico and Brazil.

a threat to the international economic growth

hardly any of the Latin American countries count on external financial help.

global economic links have been promoting corruption and insurgencies

Brazil and Mexico have the weakest economies within the region

few Latin American countries will be participating in the information revolution

relative affluence may well be achieved by many Latin American countries

lack of confidence and ability

opposing political beliefs

inability to sustain economic links

significant role within Latin America

economic and social instability.

and the US should be implementing customs reforms

is highly developed in terms of science and technology.

has made considerable progress in terms of liberalizing its trading regime

has been attracting foreign participation in its high-technology sector.

is one of the most attractive and profitable markets for foreign investors.