Last Updated on 6th February 2026
Knowing when or if the markets will swing one way or another is one of the most complex aspects of investment, and for expats, can cause decision paralysis if they’re unsure of the right strategies to protect their wealth over the long term, while optimising the returns their portfolios achieve.
The best guidance for any expatriate, whether you’ve recently relocated and are concerned about geopolitical uncertainty or have a mature portfolio that you’re intending to tap into soon, is to work alongside an experienced advisory team.
Investment managers and consultants are dedicated to monitoring markets and providing up-to-date advice and recommendations. Just as importantly, we’ll get to know your priorities and time horizons to ensure you’re well prepared for the shocks and spikes that the stock markets will inevitably encounter from time to time.
Tip 1: Consider Short-Term Volatility vs Long-Term Returns
There is no doubt that market blips can cause worry and panic, but also that the way modern markets trade, and information is shared almost immediately, means temporary fluctuations occur more often than ever before.
Making knee-jerk reactions or being swept up in a mass sell-off is rarely advisable, even if media reports seem to forecast further doom. That’s because, for most expats, long-term wealth accumulation is the goal rather than short-term gains.
Of course, that’s generalised, and there may be circumstances where our wealth management team might advise on potentially sustained volatility that could mean restructuring or rebalancing your portfolio is wise.
Still, short-term dips do not automatically translate into falls in long-term growth.
Throughout the history of the financial markets, setbacks have typically corrected over time. It’s also possible for relatively secure and stable assets which appear to have plateaued to reach new peaks as markets recover once fluctuations subside.
Tip 2: Focus on Full-Portfolio Diversification
Diversification is a consistent theme in investing. It’s a core part of an investment strategy that expats can use to protect their portfolios from sudden shocks, without avoiding high-return markets or asset classes altogether that could deliver excellent returns.
This becomes particularly relevant when trading conditions are somewhat unstable, because the effects of vulnerability will differ considerably across asset classes. Importantly, diversification isn’t only about choosing different assets, but about:
- Spreading investments between currencies or jurisdictions
- Picking different asset classes in varied sectors or industries
- Choosing a mix of fixed-return, low-risk and higher-return, moderate-risk products
Spreading investments out in this way ensures that a fall in one market, or an event that prompts a downturn in one industry, doesn’t leave all of your portfolio exposed – and also ensures that you stand to benefit from improvements in contrasting markets or assets.
Tip 3: Remember That Stock Market Swings Generate Opportunities
It is easy to assume that negative news about stock market performance is bad for everyone but keeping an eye on the long-term or looking at forward projections beyond the here and now can reveal opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked.
Although it’s impossible to predict how stock markets will react with 100% accuracy, there are often indicators that recovery is on the horizon, or that the underlying factors that have prompted a selloff are about to subside.
Much will depend on your risk appetite and the position of your portfolio, but that could mean:
- Investing at a point when barriers to entry are lower than average
- Buying undervalued stocks that have a strong chance of recovery
- Entering into a market at a trough and remaining invested as it returns to the next peak
In short, general market sentiment isn’t a reliable way to pick your own reaction to volatility and doesn’t dictate when it might be a good time to invest.
Tip 4: Reply on Strategic Planning Over Emotion
Every expat investor should ideally have a personalised plan that sets out the objectives that underpin their decision-making. While plans can and will change over time, and according to changing individuals’ priorities, that planning should be your main resource.
In addition, if you pick only very low-risk products, it’s unlikely that the value of your portfolio will outperform inflation.
The risk inherent in equities is part and parcel of their appeal, most often combined with low-risk alternatives like bonds. The former offers the potential for higher returns but is also exposed to market downturns. In contrast, the latter is safe and stable but, as a sole portfolio asset, won’t generate the growth you anticipate.
Without proper portfolio management, performance reviews and periodic updates, it may be impossible to know with certainty how well your investments are currently meeting your targets.
Wealth managers look at all aspects of your investment approach, rebalance assets accordingly, or advise on any changes they think will be beneficial or that you’d like to explore.
This ensures you’re not making important financial decisions based on general sentiment that might be irrelevant to your investment strategy.
Tip 5: Schedule an Investment Portfolio Review
Recognising volatility in the markets is one thing; knowing what to do next is another. There is no one answer or roadmap that will be suitable for every expat investor, which is why we often recommend a portfolio evaluation that will help you gain clarity about where you are now and how best to respond to any downturns that may come your way.
Analysing your investments alongside your risk appetite and life stage is the first step in creating the all-important strategy we’ve mentioned, where experienced advisers will assess:
- The current value, costs, performance and diversification of your portfolio assets
- Tax exposure and treatments, and where there are opportunities to improve portfolio efficiency
- Your plans and expectations, whether you intend to retire, relocate or help finance your children’s or grandchildren’s educational costs
- How comfortable you are assuming risk, and how this is reflected in your portfolio as it stands
The norm is to review your portfolio at least annually to ensure it remains appropriate for you whenever you’ve made a change to your plans, financial position, or circumstances.
If you’re worried about the markets and unsure whether your portfolio is resilient enough, this is an ideal starting point – and something you can arrange by getting in touch with any of the Chase Buchanan Private Wealth Management offices.
© Chase Buchanan Private Wealth Management.
Chase Buchanan Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission with CIF Licence 287/15 and offers its services in the EU on a cross-border basis as per the provisions of MiFID.
Chase Buchanan Insurance Services, Agents & Advisors is authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Insurance Companies Control Service with License No 6883 and offers services in the EU on a cross-border basis as per the provisions of the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD).
Investing in financial instruments involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The value of investments may go up as well as down and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. You may lose part or all of your invested capital.
*Information correct as at February 2026
