Expat Money Matters - Episodes Tagged with “Market Volatility”

Weekly Market Update 01/04/2026

Chase Buchanan — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 01:00:00 +0100

As the conflict in the Middle East enters its fifth week, markets continue to react, but not always in the way you might expect.
In this Weekly Market Update, we take a clear, measured look at the economic implications so far. From the surge in Brent crude prices to the surprising pullback in gold, and the relatively orderly decline in global equities, there are signals worth paying attention to.
We also explore the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, the risks to global energy supply chains, and how geopolitical developments, including US and Iranian actions, Houthi involvement, and shifting alliances, could shape what comes next.
With Q1 earnings season approaching and analysts still in “wait and see” mode, markets remain highly sensitive to new information.

A concise, no-noise breakdown to help you stay focused on what actually matters.

Weekly Market Update 18/03/2026

Chase Buchanan — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 03:30:00 +0000

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the complex intersection of the Iran conflict and global finance. While the All-Countries World Index remains down 6% from its February highs, the "initial shock" phase of the war has transitioned into a period of cautious, volatile observation.

We discuss:

The US Advantage: Why being a net energy exporter has insulated US equities and bolstered the Dollar against the Euro and Pound.
Energy Infrastructure at Risk: The latest on Kharg Island, the Strait of Hormuz, and why "flicking the switch" back on for oil production isn't as easy as it sounds.
The Central Bank Dilemma: With the Fed, BoE, and ECB meeting soon, will they focus on supply-chain inflation or long-term stability?
Economic Momentum: Analyzing the "wobbles" in US and UK data and what they signal for the rest of 2026.

Weekly Market Update 04/03/2026

Chase Buchanan — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

This week's "Weekly Market Update" opens with a sobering acknowledgment of the current crisis in the Gulf states, keeping our clients, friends, and family in the region in our thoughts. Turning to the financial impact, we break down the market's initial 1-2% dip and the reassuring intra-day recovery that saw the S&P 500 erase nearly all its losses by Monday's close.

We explore the classic "flight to safety" response from investors, which has driven significant moves in commodities—including a 9% surge in oil to around $80 a barrel and a sharp climb in gold prices. We are also closely monitoring the spike in natural gas following production pauses in Qatar, as well as the shipping slowdowns through the Strait of Hormuz and its potential knock-on effects for inflation in Europe and the UK.

Most importantly, this episode serves as a reminder of the core tenets of our investment philosophy at Chase Buchanan. We explain how your portfolios are stress-tested and structurally designed with prudent diversification to absorb short-term headline volatility. Tune in to understand why patience over panic remains the most rewarding strategy, and how market dislocations can occasionally present opportunities to strengthen high-quality asset positions.

Weekly Market Update 18/02/2026

Chase Buchanan — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:30:00 +0000

In this week's Weekly Market Update, we analyse a turbulent week of headlines that saw significant volatility in individual stocks despite relatively modest movement at the index level.

We dive deep into the primary catalyst of the week: the launch of a new AI tool claiming to automate a substantial amount of the work traditionally performed by wealth managers and financial planners. This development sent shockwaves through the market, causing several UK investment platforms to trade significantly lower, with one name falling by double digits.

In this episode, we also discuss:

The Expansion of the AI "Witch Hunt": How the initial sell-off in SaaS companies has spread to sectors like real estate, logistics, and consumer staples.
Second-Order Effects: The growing investor concern that AI-related job cuts in the professional sector will flow through to industries like business travel and catering.
Market Sentiment vs. Fundamentals: Why the market is adopting a "shoot first, ask questions later" approach regarding the terminal value of businesses perceived to be under threat.
Macro Stability: A look at the positive backdrop of global economic growth and the lower-than-expected US inflation print.
UK Economic Outlook: What to expect from upcoming employment data and the likelihood of Bank of England rate cuts starting as early as April.