98. Weak Dollar Policy, Oil Reserve Crisis & Why the Mag Seven Stumble Matters

Richard Taylor and Brian Dunhill are back with an unscripted breakdown of the forces driving global markets in August 2026.  First up, the Yen carry trade unravelling. Brian explains how the Trump administration quietly forced Japan to sell euros instead of US treasuries, what that reveals about a deliberate weak dollar policy, and why currency devaluation is now Washington's preferred tool for managing a 120% debt-to-GDP ratio. For expats and cross-border investors, the implications are massive.  Then, markets. Despite constant noise, the S&P 500 has had a strong run, but the Magnificent Seven are stumbling. Richard and Brian debate whether that's a healthy rotation into broader equities or an early warning that overexposed portfolios are about to feel pain.  They also dig into the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve dropping below 300 million barrels for the first time since the 1980s, why much of it may be unusable, and how rising gas prices could become the political pressure point that forces a resolution to the Iran conflict.  As always, real talk, zero scripts, and two advisors who manage money for a living trying to make sense of a genuinely chaotic month!  --  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.