Business

Gold prices have increased following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the US, raising concerns among investors about geopolitical risks. In early trading on Monday in Asia, gold rose by approximately 1.8% to around $4,408 (£3,282) per ounce, while silver climbed nearly 3.5%, as investors shifted their money into "safe-haven" assets. Crude oil prices remained mostly stable, and stock prices in the region were generally up. Both gold and silver reached record highs in 2025 but lost value in the last few days of that year. Even with the decline at the end of last year, gold had its best annual performance since 1979, surging over 60% and hitting a peak of $4,549.71 on December 26. This increase was fueled by several factors, including anticipated interest rate cuts, significant purchases of gold by central banks, and worries about global tensions and economic uncertainty. Oil prices were mixed in early trading and dipped slightly by mid-morning as investors considered whether the US intervention in Venezuela would affect crude oil supplies. US President Donald Trump has promised to utilize Venezuela’s large oil reserves after taking control from Maduro, stating that the US will “run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” However, industry experts say this action is not expected to have an immediate effect on energy prices for consumers and businesses.