Private-sector economists give high marks to Mr Lagos's economic team, which they say is more pro-market than its predecessor.

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However, the use of privatized forces on the modern battlefield far out paces their previous employment, and the capabilities that the private security industry now brings to the table marks a watershed in the conduct of military operations.

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This marks the first successful cargo mission to the space station by a private company.

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The deal marks the first significant combination of a conventional money manager with a private equity investor, and according to Ross, reflects the changing nature of his industry.

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But while this marks the 17th month in a row of job growth in the private sector --nearly 2.5 million new private sector jobs in all -- we have to create more jobs than that each month to make up for the more than 8 million jobs that the recession claimed.

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The plan marks a strategic shift for the U.S. government, making private and "faith-based" charities the administration's first line of defense against social problems such as poverty, addiction and homelessness.

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Genband, which is based in Frisco, Texas, scored high marks due partly to its large fundraising haul from a mix of top venture capital, private equity and corporate investors, including One Equity Partners, Sevin Rosen Funds, Intel Capital, Oak Investment Partners, Siemens Venture Capital and Venrock.

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That marks a contrast with neighbouring Argentina, whose government has financed an increase in spending by nationalising private pension funds, shredding investor confidence.

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