As youngsters, these people were the shock troops during the golden period of Japan's post-war economic transformation.

ECONOMIST: Greying Japan

With Associated's 1, 500 traders as shock troops, Anderson changed Panenergy from an inward-focused pipeline operator into an accomplished trading house.

FORBES: Trading places

With Associated's 1, 500 traders as shock troops, Anderson had changed Panenergy from an inward-focused pipeline operator into an accomplished trading house.

FORBES: Trading Places

The decision of the Iraqi prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki, more or less to endorse Mr Obama's timetable for withdrawing American troops from Iraq sent shock waves through Washington, DC, discombobulating the White House and driving the McCain campaign into panic.

ECONOMIST: Lexington