For many observers, but certainly for economists, this is likely to be the most unpredictable, exasperating and mindless US presidential election contest in generations. It will also be the most interesting.

Results from the early primary elections for delegates to the presidential nominating conventions in July have front runners Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton modestly ahead as the process heads into "Super Tuesday" (March 1), when 12 elections are to be held, followed by another 20 in the following two weeks. Delegates are awarded on a proportionate basis before March 15, and winner-takes-all afterwards. Most of the large states have their primaries after March 15. California, the last one, is on June 7.