U.S. consumer spending, inflation data point to strong economy | Lucia Mutikani

There are, however, concerns the Trump administration’s protectionist trade policy, which has led to an escalating trade war with China and tit-for-tat import tariffs with other trading partners, including the European Union, Canada and Mexico, could hurt the economy.

“The trade war thunder on the horizon hasn’t moved closer to shore,” said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at MUFG in New York. “Consumers are doing their part to keep the economy’s engines running strong in the second half of the year.”

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