Julian Howard: Fortress America

The US economy, dollar and equity market all enjoy unique characteristics, which make them a vital part of any investment portfolio even though it is the US political system that has produced today's heightened economic uncertainty. The US economy lends itself to robust insulation from external forces. With a population of 372 million, an estimated 80% of the economy is based on consumption. Second quarter GDP numbers showed just how important this was: amid an intensifying trade war and business investment slumping by -5.5% on the previous year, US GDP was still able to post a 2.1% gain...