Despite the escalating geopolitical tensions following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States, the futures markets are trading in positive territory. S&P 500 Futures (ES=F) are trading at 6,913.75, up 13.25 points (0.19%), indicating a slight bullish sentiment among investors. The Dow Jones Futures (YM=F) is up by 43.00 (0.09%), and the Nasdaq 100 futures appreciated 114.00 points or 0.45%.
Nevertheless, the Brent Crude Oil futures (BZ=F) are in the negative territory, down by $0.39 or 0.64%. The Brent Crude Oil futures were trading at $60.36 in the latest session. Oil prices are dipping as traders increasingly expect that the U.S. control of Venezuela could bring more oil and natural gas to the market.
The Kobeissi Letter, a widely followed market commentary newsletter, noted on X, “In just about all major escalations of geopolitical tensions with oil-producing countries, energy prices typically rise. Why is it different this time? Because the US taking control of Venezuela is set to bring more oil and natural gas supply to the market.”
The Gold Feb 2026 futures (GC=F) are trading at 4,435.40, edging up by 105.80 or 2.44%, indicating a strong bullish momentum. The Gold Spot Price has appreciated 2.15% to reach $4,425.225 USD. The price of gold is expected to go up as it is a safe-haven asset. The US Dollar Index (DX-Y.NYB) is also up as investors are moving to safe-haven assets.
The futures market largely remained steady, with gold futures posting strong gains following the U.S. mission called “Operation Absolute Resolve” capturing the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, from Caracas on January 3, 2026.
U.S. Venezuela Policy In Focus As Oil Slips And Gold Rallies
Following the surprise attack and capture, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the U.S. would run the Latin American country. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” President Trump stated on January 3, 2026.
Despite the remarks from President Trump, the Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified on Sunday that the U.S. will not take a day-to-day role in governing Venezuela. Rubio added that they would continue enforcing the oil blockade, which was already in place, and would use it to press for policy changes in Venezuela
Meanwhile, the captured Nicolás Maduro is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan federal court to face narco-terrorism and related criminal charges. Prosecutors from the U.S. The Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York said in the indictment that as Venezuela’s president and de facto ruler, Maduro allowed cocaine-fueled corruption to flourish for his own benefit, the benefit of members of his ruling regime, and his family members.
UN Flags International Law Risks As Geopolitical Uncertainty Lingers
Commenting on the developments, the United Nations warned of serious international law implications. In a statement issued on January 3, the UN Secretary-General said he was “deeply alarmed” by the escalation in Venezuela following U.S. military action, cautioning that it could set a dangerous precedent and stressing the need for full respect for international law, human rights, and the UN Charter, according to spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. The Security Council is scheduled to hold an open briefing today.
