78. Oil Shocks, Dollar Moves and Private Debt: What Expats Should Watch Now

Geopolitical shocks, market volatility, and policy uncertainty can create a lot of noise for investors, especially those managing wealth across borders. For expats, the challenge is not just understanding the headlines, but knowing what they actually mean for currency exposure, inflation risk, portfolio construction, and long-term financial plans. When markets move quickly, reacting emotionally can be costly. A measured approach, grounded in strategy, is often what matters most.  In this episode of Expat Wealth, Richard Taylor – dual UK/US citizen and Chartered Financial Planner – is joined by Brian Dunhill, his UK-based counterpart serving Americans in the UK, Europe and futher afield. Together, they unpack the latest macro developments affecting cross-border investors, from the market implications of rising tensions with Iran to the knock-on effects of oil price volatility, inflation fears, and shifts in the US dollar. They also explore concerns building in private debt markets and why liquidity still matters just as much as yield. For internationally mobile families and retirees, the key message is clear: market headlines may change fast, but disciplined portfolio positioning remains essential.  Richard and Brian discuss:  How oil shocks affect expat investors: Rising tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices higher and renewed concerns about inflation, consumer pressure, and market instability. Richard and Brian explain why energy price spikes matter so much for global portfolios and why expats should pay close attention to how geopolitical events filter through to daily costs, investment returns, and central bank policy.  Why dollar strength can create planning opportunities: While the US dollar briefly strengthened as investors moved toward perceived safe-haven assets, Richard and Brian explain why this may be a temporary move within a longer-term period of dollar weakness. For expats planning retirement abroad, funding major overseas purchases, or rebalancing assets between currencies, short-term FX moves may offer useful opportunities.  The risks emerging in private debt markets: Private debt has grown rapidly in recent years, but concerns are mounting around defaults, underwriting standards, and liquidity. Richard and Brian discuss why these products can look attractive on the surface, why they may not suit many retail investors, and why access to liquid, transparent fixed-income options remains a priority for cross-border financial planning.     --    Expat Wealth is supported by Plan First Wealth. Plan First Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor serving fellow expatriates and immigrants living across the US on matters such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and non-US asset management.    https://planfirstwealth.com/    --    Expat Wealth is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth.      Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.