US equity has a bearing, whether we like it or not

It's difficult for investors to ignore the US equity market. It is the largest and most mature single stock market in the world and among its ranks are some of the world's best known global brands: Coca Cola, IBM, Google, Nike and many other household names. By virtue of its size the US market offers investors diversity and liquidity, while its maturity brings high standards of reporting and corporate governance. Furthermore, whatever happens to the US equity market is bound to have an effect on markets across the world, including our own. Economic slowdown is still hovering over the US...