Gold price rises after US captures Venezuela’s Maduro

Global financial markets reacted swiftly after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with investors moving to position themselves amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty and expectations of shifting economic dynamics.

Prices of precious metals rose sharply as market participants sought the relative safety of so-called safe-haven assets. Gold climbed by about 2.4% to $4,433 (£3,293) an ounce, reflecting increased demand from investors looking to protect portfolios against global risk. Silver also recorded strong gains, rising by 4.9%, underlining a broader move into defensive assets during early trading.

Defence stocks across Europe advanced in response to the weekend’s developments, as investors anticipated the possibility of higher military spending by governments reacting to changing geopolitical realities. Analysts noted that such shifts often benefit defence firms in the short to medium term, contributing to the positive momentum seen in the sector.

Oil markets, by contrast, were more measured. Crude prices fluctuated in early Monday trading as investors assessed whether Washington’s intervention in Venezuela could materially affect global supply. Brent crude edged up just 0.5% to $61.06 a barrel, with analysts pointing out that ample global supplies were likely to cushion any potential disruption from Venezuela.

Despite the relatively stable oil price, energy stocks — particularly in the United States — showed notable strength. Shares in US oil companies rose in premarket trading on expectations that American firms could gain greater access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Chevron, currently the only US company operating in the country, saw its shares jump by more than 7%, signalling investor optimism about future opportunities.

US President Donald Trump has openly stated his intention to tap into Venezuela’s significant oil wealth following the seizure of Maduro. He said the United States would “run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”, comments that markets interpreted as a signal of potential policy shifts with long-term economic implications.