Gold Soars: What Maduro's Capture Means for Investors and the Market

After the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the gold price surged by 1.8% to approximately $4,408 an ounce, driven by rising investor concerns over geopolitical risks. In the wake of this event, silver also climbed nearly 3.5%, indicating a broader shift towards safe-haven assets. Although crude oil prices saw minimal fluctuations, the capture raised speculation about the potential impact on oil supplies.

Gold, which had previously reached an all-time high of $4,549.71 on December 26, has been predominantly influenced by factors such as predictions of interest rate cuts, significant bullion purchases by central banks, and persistent uncertainties regarding global tensions and economic conditions. Despite a downturn at the end of 2025, the metal saw its best annual gain since 1979, soaring over 60% throughout the year.

In his commitment, President Trump mentioned plans to exploit Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves following Maduro’s removal, stating that the US would manage the country until a safe transition occurs. However, industry experts indicate that restoring Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, which has faced deteriorating production rates for years, will demand significant investment and expertise, projecting a lengthy process. The country now contributes only 1% to global oil output, raising doubts about the immediate ramifications of American intervention.

Amidst these developments, Asian share markets thrived, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 surging 2.6% on its first trading day of the year, buoyed not only by events in Venezuela but also by robust manufacturing data from December. Experts noted that the optimism in Asian markets reflected confidence that the consequences of the Venezuelan crisis would remain manageable, attributing recent gains largely to the AI-led rally witnessed in the US.