Gold Soars as U.S. Raids Venezuela and Captures President Maduro

TLDR

• Gold prices jumped over 2% on Monday after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a weekend raid in Caracas
• Maduro was detained and flown to the United States to face criminal charges in the most direct U.S. intervention in Venezuela in decades
• President Trump said the U.S. plans to “run” Venezuela and requires “total access” to the country, including its oil reserves
• Gold reached $4,432 per ounce while silver gained nearly 5% as investors sought safe-haven assets during the geopolitical uncertainty
• Gold surged over 60% in 2025 and hit a record high of $4,549.71 per ounce before profit-taking pulled prices lower

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Gold prices climbed more than 2% on Monday following a U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The weekend raid in Caracas marked the most direct American intervention in the South American nation in decades.

Micro Gold Futures,Feb-2026 (MGC=F)

Spot gold traded up 2.4% at $4,432.12 per ounce in European trading hours. U.S. gold futures for March delivery increased 2.7% to $4,444.30.

Silver prices jumped even higher, gaining nearly 5% during the same period. Platinum and palladium also posted gains as investors moved into precious metals.

U.S. officials confirmed that Maduro was detained during the operation and transported to the United States. He now faces longstanding criminal charges that have been pending against him.

President Donald Trump described the capture as a “decisive step” against what he called a criminal regime. Trump stated the U.S. would ensure a “safe and orderly transition” in Venezuela.

U.S. Plans Extended Role in Venezuela

Trump went further by saying the U.S. plans to “run” Venezuela following Maduro’s removal. He emphasized that Washington requires “total access” to the country, including its vast oil reserves.

Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves. However, years of international sanctions and lack of investment have severely reduced the country’s oil production capacity.

The uncertainty surrounding Venezuela’s near-term crude supply added to market volatility. Investors assessed potential implications for energy markets and regional stability across Latin America.

Thomas Mathews, Head of Markets for Asia Pacific at Capital Economics, said the near-term economic and financial implications appear minor. However, he noted the geopolitical ramifications could be important and might keep risk premiums elevated on some regional assets.

Christopher Wong, an analyst at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp in Singapore, said the episode reinforced geopolitical uncertainty. He added that developments point to a relatively quick closure rather than a prolonged military conflict.

Gold already had strong momentum heading into 2025. The precious metal surged over 60% last year, reaching a record high of $4,549.71 per ounce before heavy profit-taking pressured prices lower.

The metal has rebounded since then and remains close to peak levels. Gold posted its best annual performance since 1979, hitting multiple records throughout the year.

Central bank buying and inflows to bullion-backed exchange-traded funds provided support. Three interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve also helped precious metals, which don’t pay interest.

Goldman Sachs Group projects gold could reach $4,900 per ounce this year. The forecast assumes additional Federal Reserve rate cuts and changes to the central bank’s leadership under Trump.

Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Sunday about long-term risks from mounting federal debt. She said preconditions are strengthening for fiscal dominance, where debt size prompts the central bank to keep rates low to minimize servicing costs.

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