It has been a turbulent year for the U.S. markets. In early April, many stocks experienced sharp declines due to escalating trade tensions and the introduction of new tariffs by the Trump administration. Investors panicked. Headlines screamed of trade wars.But fast-forward to July, and it's a completely different picture. The benchmark S&P 500 index is sitting at record highs. Economic metrics are seeming friendlier, and optimism has crept back in. But don't let the rally fool you -- there's tension brewing ...