Safe-Haven Metals Rally as Markets Assess U.S. Seizure of Maduro

Key Moments

Gold rose 1.9%, while silver jumped 5.7%.
As a result, investors increased exposure to safe-haven assets after the U.S. captured
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Meanwhile, Asian equity markets advanced sharply.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 3% to 51,853.53, and South Korea’s Kospi gained 3.1% to 4,441.80.
In contrast, Wall Street posted modest moves.
The S&P 500 edged up 0.2% to 6,858.47, while the Dow added 0.7%.
However, the Nasdaq slipped less than 0.1%.

Oil Retreats While Precious Metals Surge

Oil and metals markets sent mixed signals on Monday.
This came as investors assessed the impact of the U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s capture.

At first, U.S. benchmark crude edged higher.
However, it later turned lower and fell 23 cents to $57.09 per barrel.
Similarly, Brent crude dropped 17 cents to $60.58 per barrel.

At the same time, demand for safe-haven assets increased.
Gold prices rose 1.9%, while silver advanced 5.7%.
Consequently, traders showed greater caution amid rising geopolitical risk.

“Investors are happy to own risk, but they want insurance in the drawer.
In other words, this is confidence with a hedge, not euphoria,”
said Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management.

Venezuelan Supply Uncertainty and the Crude Market

Venezuela’s oil sector remains under severe strain.
Years of neglect and international sanctions have left the industry in poor condition.
As a result, analysts say recovery would take years and require large investments.

Over time, some analysts believe output could increase.
In fact, production could double or even triple from about 1.1 million barrels per day.
Still, the pace and scale of any rebound remain uncertain.

Meanwhile, global oil supply remains ample.
Because of this, crude prices are trading near six-month lows.
Therefore, expectations for an immediate oil shock remain limited.

Political Shock Ripples Through Global Markets

The U.S. action has affected markets worldwide.
Investors are now weighing the impact of President Donald Trump’s
“unusual military operation.”

In addition, Trump stated that the United States would run Venezuela
following Maduro’s removal.
As a result, interest in safe-haven assets increased,
even as some risk assets continued to rise.

Asian Equities Extend a Record-Breaking Run

Across Asia, equity markets posted strong gains.
Several major indices reached new record levels.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose 3% to 51,853.53.
Notably, the index had already closed 2025 at a record high.
After reopening for the new year, it continued to climb.

“Markets face many ongoing risks,” said Hiromi Yamaji,
CEO of the Japan Exchange Group.
He pointed to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes,
monetary policy shifts, and corporate earnings trends.

Elsewhere, South Korea’s Kospi surged 3.1% to 4,441.80.
This added to its record close from Friday.
Meanwhile, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.1% to 8,733.30.
Taiwan’s benchmark index climbed 2.9%.

Currency Market Moves

In early trading, the U.S. dollar strengthened slightly.
Specifically, it rose to 157.27 yen from 156.82 yen.

At the same time, the euro weakened.
It slipped to $1.1682 from $1.1726.

Wall Street Starts the Year With Modest Gains

U.S. markets ended the previous session with small moves.
Overall, trading was subdued at the start of the new year.

The S&P 500 rose 0.2% to 6,858.47.
This followed a gain of more than 16% in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Dow added 0.7% to close at 48,382.39.
By contrast, the Nasdaq slipped less than 0.1% to 23,235.63.

Losses in major technology stocks weighed on the Nasdaq.
Microsoft fell 2.2%, while Tesla dropped 2.6%.
Notably, Tesla reported a second straight year of declining sales.
Because of their size, stocks like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Tesla
often drive large market swings.

Furniture Stocks Rise After Tariff Delay

In sector news, furniture stocks rallied.
This followed President Trump’s decision to delay higher tariffs
on upholstered furniture imports.

As a result, RH shares jumped 8%.
Wayfair also gained 6.1% as investors welcomed the move.

Major Market Indicators

Asset / Index	Latest Move	Level / Price
U.S. crude	– $0.23	$57.09 per barrel
Brent crude	– $0.17	$60.58 per barrel
Gold	+ 1.9%	Not specified
Silver	+ 5.7%	Not specified
Nikkei 225	+ 3%	51,853.53
Kospi	+ 3.1%	4,441.80
S&P 500	+ 0.2%	6,858.47
Dow Jones Industrial Average	+ 0.7%	48,382.39
Nasdaq composite	– <0.1%	23,235.63

Key U.S. Data Ahead

This week marks the first full trading week of the year.
Several economic reports are scheduled for release.

In particular, investors will watch data on the services sector.
They will also review consumer sentiment surveys.
In addition, new labor market figures are due.

Together, these reports may shape expectations
for the Federal Reserve’s late-January meeting.
They should also offer insight into how the U.S. economy ended 2025.