Expat Money Matters - Episodes Tagged with “Interest Rates”

Weekly Market Update 13/05/2026

Chase Buchanan — Wed, 13 May 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this Weekly Market Update, we examine the latest geopolitical developments in the Middle East and their impact on global markets. Investors continue to monitor negotiations involving Iran, uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz, and the broader implications for energy markets and global trade.

Despite ongoing tensions and weaker expectations for a near-term reopening of Hormuz, global equity markets remain remarkably resilient. We explore the key factors supporting markets, including the strength of the US economy, the continued expansion of AI-driven investment, and another exceptionally strong US earnings season.

We also discuss the latest US payroll data, the Federal Reserve outlook, growing concentration within equity markets, UK political developments following the local elections, and the upcoming inflation data that could shape future central bank decisions.

Finally, we look ahead to Jerome Powell’s departure as Federal Reserve Chair and the wider implications for investors navigating an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Weekly Market Update 06/05/2026

Chase Buchanan — Wed, 06 May 2026 02:00:00 +0100

In this week’s market update, we explore how escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are shaping global financial markets. Oil prices surged amid disruption risks around the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to higher volatility across equities and bond markets.

European and US indices pulled back following recent gains, despite a strong earnings season in the United States, where the majority of companies have exceeded expectations. Sector performance remained mixed, with energy and technology showing resilience, while more rate-sensitive areas lagged.

We also cover key central bank developments, with the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of England all holding interest rates steady, signalling a cautious approach as inflation risks persist.

Finally, we examine rising transatlantic tensions, including new tariff proposals and military repositioning, and what these developments could mean for markets in the weeks ahead.

Weekly Market Update 15/04/2026

Chase Buchanan — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:15:00 +0100

This week on Expat Money Matters, we unpack the financial fallout from the latest Middle East escalation and what it means for your money. With the Strait of Hormuz severely disrupted, energy markets have reacted sharply, Brent crude has surpassed $120 per barrel, and inflationary pressure is rippling across the global economy. We cover what this means for central bank policy in the US and UK, why interest rates may stay higher for longer, and how frozen tax thresholds and changes to capital and inheritance planning are affecting those with UK-linked wealth. We also look at the shifting landscape for expatriates, including tightening European residency routes, rising UK immigration fees, and the growing appeal of alternative hubs like the UAE and Thailand. If you are globally mobile, now is the time to make sure your financial strategy is proactive, structured, and regularly reviewed.

Weekly Market Update 08/04/2026

Chase Buchanan — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:15:00 +0100

This Weekly Market Update episode breaks down a volatile week for global markets (30 March – 7 April 2026). We discuss the surge in Brent crude and European natural gas prices, which are reshaping inflation expectations and household costs for expats in Europe. We also analyse the "risk-off" sentiment that has seen US and European equities drop by 8-10%, while examining the silver lining for retirees as UK gilt yields top 5%. Finally, we provide essential updates on US tax strategy for high earners and explain why the Bank of England and ECB are now expected to hike rates despite stalling economic growth.

Weekly Market Update 11/03/2026

Chase Buchanan — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:45:00 +0000

This week on Expat Money Matters, we dive into the macroeconomic shifts directly impacting internationally mobile individuals and cross-border investors. With recent escalations in the Middle East driving up oil and gas prices, the anticipated path to lower interest rates has grown highly uncertain.

We discuss why markets now expect both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England to hold rates steady, and how this "higher for longer" outlook is already pushing up UK fixed-rate mortgages.

Key topics covered in this episode:

Global Inflation & Rates: How energy-driven inflation risks are forcing central banks to rethink their easing policies.
UK Mortgage Market: The practical consequences for households and property investors facing refinancing pressures this year.
UK Spring Statement: An analysis of fiscal drag from frozen tax thresholds, plus what changes to capital taxation, pensions, and inheritance mean for expats with UK-linked wealth.
US Expat Tax Updates: Navigating new tax allowances for Americans abroad amidst a landscape of increasing compliance and regulatory scrutiny.

What began as a geopolitical shock is now fundamentally altering borrowing costs and financial planning assumptions. Tune in to understand why proactive, long-term wealth strategy is more critical than ever.