Has the United States ever defaulted on its debt? Most people would say no. But history tells a more complicated story. From the gold revaluation of 1933 to the Nixon Shock of 1971, the rules of the dollar have changed before. With U.S. debt now above $40 trillion, could history offer clues about what comes next?
As we enter the final quarter of the year, geopolitical uncertainty, persistent inflation and stretched US market valuations create an increasingly complex environment for investors. In this edition of The Swiss View, we look beyond the headlines at rising bond yields, currency developments, precious metals and relative opportunities outside the US. Our conclusion remains clear: rather than predicting the next market correction, investors should focus on disciplined risk management and international diversification.
Central banks are responding to renewed inflation pressures while disruptions in global oil supply and geopolitical uncertainty continue to influence currencies and markets. In the latest episode of The Swiss View, Jess Roberson and Urs Droese discuss the Federal Reserve’s latest rate increase, the Strait of Hormuz, recent U.S. dollar strength and why looking beyond short-term market movements remains important for internationally diversified investors.
Markets have remained remarkably resilient despite geopolitical tensions, rising public debt, currency uncertainty, and growing concentration in areas such as artificial intelligence. In this edition of The Swiss View, we examine what current market optimism may be overlooking, rethink the role of fixed income and gold, consider the relationship between the U.S. dollar and Japan, and explain why disciplined portfolio construction and realistic expectations remain essential for long-term investors.
In the latest edition of The Swiss View, Urs Droese and Jess Roberson discuss the Strait of Hormuz, the Japanese yen, recent U.S. dollar strength, gold, and the forces currently shaping global currency markets.
A single chart tells a striking story about the US economy. WHVP explores the US Net International Investment Position and what it means for American investors considering international diversification.
Why are markets so fragile right now? In our latest Economic Outlook, Urs Droese and Jess Roberson look at what has moved in the economy and where markets may head through the summer and into the US midterms.
The latest Swiss View looks at the record SpaceX IPO, the case for value investing alongside momentum, a strong US dollar, and why we see the precious metals pullback as a pause rather than a peak.
History of U.S. Government Defaults: Gold, Debt and the Digital Dollar
As we move deeper into the year and look forward to longer days and brighter summer skies, the geopolitical climate remains anything but calm. From a Swiss perspective, grounded, observant, and traditionally neutral, the contrast could hardly be sharper.
In this episode of The Swiss View, Urs and Jess explore the economic realities shaping the United States, the European Union, and Switzerland. The conversation moves from GDP performance and what it reveals about the strength of each economy to the everyday impact Americans are feeling at the gas pump, tying it all back to the global price of oil per barrel and the broader energy market.
In this episode of Swiss View, Jess Roberson and Jamie Vrijhof unpack the growing dilemma facing central banks as global uncertainty continues to mount. They begin with the fragile US-Iran ceasefire—asking the key question: will it hold, even in the short term? The discussion explores potential market and economic consequences if tensions re-escalate, and how quickly sentiment can shift in such a volatile geopolitical environment.
A strong start to the year quickly gave way to renewed uncertainty as geopolitical tensions resurfaced. Markets have once again shown how fragile short-term optimism can be. In this environment, the real challenge is not the events themselves, but the uncertainty they create. For investors, standing still is rarely the answer—disciplined diversification and a long-term perspective matter more than ever.
In this episode, Jess Roberson and Urs Droese explore how global markets are reacting to rising geopolitical tensions. Beyond market movements, they examine investor behavior: why fear and optimism often coexist, how emotions drive decisions, and what patterns emerge in uncertain times. Tune in for insights that blend macroeconomic analysis with behavioral finance, offering a clear perspective on navigating market turbulence.
In this episode of Swiss View, WHVP examines the latest developments in President Trump’s global tariff policy, including the newly announced 10% worldwide tariff and its rapid increase to 15% under Section 122 authority. The discussion unpacks the legal framework behind these measures and explores what escalating tariffs could mean for global markets, supply chains, and economic growth.
In a recent conversation with Dennis Miller on Miller on the Money, Urs Vrijhof-Droese, Managing Partner of WHVP, shares his perspective on how monetary policy, structural debt, and international diversification influence portfolios today. He emphasizes the importance of long-term planning, disciplined diversification, and understanding structural risks rather than chasing short-term predictions. From the U.S. to Europe and Asia, the discussion explores how interconnected markets respond to debt, currency pressures, and geopolitical trends—and why currencies like the Swiss franc remain a unique anchor in uncertain times.
As the Winter Olympics highlight discipline and preparation, today’s global economy calls for the same mindset. Beneath resilient markets lies a growing concern: rising sovereign debt, shifting currency confidence, and increasing reliance on government spending. Are investors witnessing strength—or complacency? And how should you position your wealth in response?
More Americans are turning to Swiss banking and currency diversification in 2026 to safeguard their wealth from inflation, market volatility, and dollar devaluation.
In a year marked by market volatility, currency shifts, and emotional headlines, staying calm and diversified proved more valuable than ever. In this edition of The Swiss View, we explore how Swiss-based international investing and reducing USD exposure helped protect client portfolios—and why equanimity remains the key to long-term wealth preservation in 2026.
Black Friday reached record levels this year — but the headline numbers only tell part of the story. In the newest episode of The Swiss View, Jess Roberson and Urs Vrijhof-Droese examine what rising prices, fewer true discounts, and shifting consumer behavior may signal about the underlying strength of the U.S. economy.