Key Moments
-
Major U.S. stock index futures posted only small moves.
Meanwhile, markets reacted to a U.S. military operation in Venezuela
and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. -
At the same time, energy markets and broader risk assets came under scrutiny.
The U.S. signaled a “safe and orderly transition” in Venezuela.
However, officials downplayed the chance of long-term U.S. control. -
Meanwhile, traders are shifting focus to the U.S. December jobs report.
That data could shape expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026.
Futures Trade in a Narrow Range After Venezuela Operation
U.S. stock index futures were mostly steady on Sunday evening.
Investors continued to assess the market impact of the Venezuela operation.
At the same time, traders weighed the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro.
As a result, risk appetite remained cautious.
| Contract | Move | Level (points) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 Futures | +0.1% | 6,908.25 | 20:35 ET (01:35 GMT) |
| Nasdaq 100 Futures | +0.3% | 25,461.75 | 20:35 ET (01:35 GMT) |
| Dow Jones Futures | -0.1% | 48,581.0 | 20:35 ET (01:35 GMT) |
Overall, the calm tone reflected uncertainty.
Market participants continued to study the broader geopolitical fallout.
Mixed Wall Street Close as New Trading Week Begins
U.S. equities ended last week with mixed results.
Notably, markets failed to deliver a traditional year-end “Santa Claus” rally.
On Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.7%.
Meanwhile, the S&P 500 gained 0.2%.
In contrast, the NASDAQ Composite finished little changed.
As the new trading week opened, uncertainty increased.
Investors reacted to the sudden rise in U.S.-Venezuela tensions.
Stock futures steady Sunday night as global markets digest U.S. strike on Venezuela & capture of Nicolás Maduro.
– DIJA futures traded 7points higher.
– S&P 500 futures rose 0.1%
– Nasdaq-100 futures advanced 0.3%.Markets are now shifting focus to the December jobs report. pic.twitter.com/5JQExqmQNH
— Houstonomics (@Houstonomics) January 5, 2026
Details of the U.S. Action in Venezuela
U.S. forces launched strikes in Venezuela over the weekend.
They also detained President Nicolas Maduro.
Soon after, authorities flew Maduro out of the country.
He is expected to face criminal charges.
President Donald Trump later confirmed the operation on social media.
He described it as a response to what he called a criminal regime.
In addition, Trump said the U.S. would oversee a “safe and orderly transition.”
As a result, investors grew uneasy about the scale of U.S. involvement.
Later, senior U.S. officials sought to calm markets.
They said Washington does not plan a long-term administration.
Still, traders remained cautious about possible spillover effects.
Energy Markets and Volatility in Focus
Developments in Venezuela drew close attention from energy traders.
The country holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
Beyond oil, the geopolitical shock raised volatility concerns.
Consequently, investors reassessed risk across asset classes.
Jobs Data and Fed Policy Expectations Ahead
During the year-end period, U.S. stocks traded unevenly.
Trading volumes also remained thin.
As a result, many investors avoided large positions.
They waited for fresh catalysts and key economic data.
Attention is now turning to Friday’s U.S. December jobs report.
The data could influence expectations for Federal Reserve policy.
Markets currently price in two 25-basis-point rate cuts in 2026.
These expectations follow the Fed’s easing move in December.
However, policymakers remain divided.
Therefore, traders are taking a cautious stance while awaiting clearer signals.
TradingPedia.com is a financial media specialized in providing daily news and education covering Forex, equities and commodities. Our academies for traders cover 
