AdvertisementBrazilian Middle Class Expands As Economy SurgesNovember 30, 2009Juan ForerofacebookEmailTeresina Lopes Vieira da Silva sells spices and peppers from a street stand in the tough neighborhood of Rocinha in Rio de Janeiro. But she also supplies upscale restaurants and has been able to buy two homes for herself. She credits a robust business environment — and two government-backed loans — for her good fortune.