Markets opened the year jittery but mixed: the S&P 500 and Nasdaq held gains on AI optimism while the Dow lagged amid defense stock rotations. Volatility spiked in FX and commodities as oil, gold and Bitcoin reacted to the Venezuela operation. Major catalysts this week include U.S. jobs data, OPEC guidance and CES tech updates.
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has been transferred to the United States and is due to appear in federal court. Coverage focuses on custody, logistics and the immediate legal timetable in New York.
$93,000 – Bitcoin’s intraday peak as crypto rallied after the U.S. captured Maduro.
U.S. president and administration officials outline a hands-on approach to Venezuela, promising oversight and threats of penalties. Political rhetoric raises questions about U.S. intentions and the practicalities of governing an oil-rich nation.
Major powers have denounced the U.S. operation and demanded Maduro’s release, signaling diplomatic strain. China and Russia’s responses heighten geopolitical risk and complicate U.S. plans for Venezuela.
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Safe-haven flows pushed precious metals higher after the U.S. operation in Venezuela. Investors bid gold and silver as geopolitical uncertainty rattled markets.
Oil prices moved on news of the Maduro removal even as producers signalled restraint. OPEC+ opted to hold output, keeping a supply-side floor amid political uncertainty in Venezuela.
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Cryptocurrencies jumped as markets digested the U.S. operation, with Bitcoin leading gains. Traders reacted to geopolitical risk and liquidity shifts across crypto markets.
Reports of casualties surfaced after the U.S. operation, prompting international outcry and humanitarian concern. Conflicting counts and national claims have intensified diplomatic scrutiny.
U.S. officials signal sanctions-and‑quarantine policy will shape Venezuela oil access; OPEC+ kept output paused; EU advances digital infrastructure and cloud rules that may reshape tech supply chains.
Washington faces legal and institutional scrutiny over the operation and its aftermath. Lawmakers are being briefed while legal scholars assess the constitutionality and international law implications.
Markets digested analysts’ takes on the raid as investors weighed currency, equities and risk premia. Analysts’ reactions and safe-haven flows shaped immediate trading dynamics.
If she doesn’t do what’s right, she’ll pay a very big price.
— President Donald Trump
Investors and entrepreneurs are already eyeing Venezuela’s oil sector for potential returns, but major hurdles loom. The push for rapid investment clashes with sanctions, damaged infrastructure and political uncertainty.
Deals and capital raises resumed amid a busy start to the year, with asset managers and buyout firms active in Japan and the UK. Private markets and real estate funds remain focal points for global investors.
Investors warn that AI-driven cost pressures could spark an inflationary episode as firms spend heavily to build capacity. Debate intensifies over whether AI investment pace creates macro risk or long-term productivity gains.
Nvidia and its CEO remain focal at CES as chip demand and geopolitical supply strains concentrate attention. Moves by Nvidia could shape Taipei, TSMC capacity and the next phase of AI chip supply chains.
Asian markets rallied on reopening and defense exposure after the Venezuela operation. Japan and Korea led gains as investors rebalanced for geopolitical and tech catalysts.
The Bank of Japan signalled a continued tightening path as wages and inflation pick up. Markets are recalibrating expectations for policy normalisation and rate-driven currency moves.
China’s services expansion cooled at year-end, heightening concerns about domestic demand. Slowing PMI readings add to pressure on policymakers to sustain growth in 2026.
Connectivity and information access became urgent in Venezuela after the operation, with private satellite services stepping in. Starlink’s free service aimed to maintain communications amid disruptions.
New footage and reporting suggested advanced U.S. systems and elite units were used in the Maduro operation. Analysts are probing the role of stealth drones and special forces in the raid.