America's non†financial businesses are suffering. But they will emerge from the recession leaner and stronger than ever...

Also in this special report:

Trading down: From decadence to discounts.

Creative destruction: The struggle is ugly, but the survivors will be stronger.

Red tape and scissors: Despite crazy rules, convoluted taxes and rampant lawyers, America is still a great place to do business.

Life is expensive: Treating the sickest part of America's economy.

A green revolution: Saving the world will not be cheap.

The fragile web of foreign trade: The recession makes globalisation more necessary, but more precarious.

The coming recovery: It could take a while, but Main Street will bounce back.