Precious metal prices rose sharply on Monday, led by gold, as escalating geopolitical tensions following the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro boosted safe-haven demand.
Gold prices surged 2.03% to $4,420.33 per ounce as of 12:32 pm AST, marking a strong move driven by rising global uncertainty. Over the past 30 days, gold has gained 3.10%, adding nearly $130 per ounce amid heightened geopolitical risks. In 2025, gold recorded its strongest annual performance since 1979, supported by increasing US sanctions and intensified blockade efforts targeting Venezuelan oil exports and Maduro’s government.
Market analysts noted that renewed instability in Venezuela has reinforced investor appetite for safe-haven assets, with both gold and silver benefiting as investors seek protection against geopolitical shocks.
Silver climbed 3.54% on Monday to $75.4 per ounce as of 12:33 pm AST. The metal had broken above the $80 mark last month before pulling back during the New Year period. Platinum also posted strong gains, rising 3.36% to $2,216 per ounce, while palladium increased 1.85% to $1,648 during the same session.
Looking ahead, precious metals may continue to show strength into 2026, supported by expectations of US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and persistent global geopolitical tensions.
Over the weekend, the United States carried out large-scale military strikes in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3. US President Donald Trump stated during a press conference on Sunday that Maduro will face federal charges in court on Monday.
Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the role of acting president. In response to the strikes, Venezuela declared a national emergency, with officials accusing the US of targeting the country for its oil resources.
The military action follows months of escalating blockade measures against Venezuelan oil tankers, alongside expanded US sanctions on Venezuelan businesses and the government under Maduro.
