All Systems 'Go' For Growth Despite Trade Wars

 Leading economic indicators reported as of 5th April 2018 show strong growth potential in the United States economy for the short/medium term. All major leading indicators currently show growth supported by a positive reading of the Conference Board leading index. All coincident/confirmation indicators confirm growth. All  indicators in the 'Simple Stock Model' analysis currently confirms  growth. Implied GDP growth currently sits at a healthy 4.25%. Official  Q4 GDP revised up at 2.9%.    

This months release from the Conference Board commented on the savage  downturn in stock markets and its apparent lack of effect on the  economic landscape, it would appear that any fear or uncertainty that  was expected to be transferred into business conditions has been  over-hyped with the latest release stating: 

The LEI points to robust economic growth throughout 2018. Its  six-month growth rate has not been this high since the first quarter of  2011.  

While stock market volatility appeared to have little effect, Trump's  new tariffs have caused volatility of a different kind. The best  description on current materials volatility came from construction  services. 

The unbelievable amount of market  volatility in construction-related materials ... continues. Accurate,  long-term planning has become incredibly difficult, as distributors that  historically held costs for at least 30 days are now, in some cases,  committing to only seven days, as prices can change drastically in that  time.

And more from machinery manufacturing. 

Much concern in the industry  regarding the steel and aluminum tariffs recently [imposed]. This is  causing panic buying, driving the near-term prices higher and [leading  to] inventory shortages for non-contract customers. 

Aside from these industry specific worries, consumer confidence is at  extremely high levels, unemployment is at extremely low levels and  industrial production (an important leading indicator to the SP500) is  growing very strongly to propel us into May. 

Disclosure: I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours.