Markets Gain as Venezuela Tensions and U.S. Data Outlook Shape Investor Sentiment

Index Update : Energy stocks rallied in premarket trading after the U.S. captured Venezuela’s President Maduro and signaled plans to help revive the country’s oil sector. Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and ConocoPhillips jumped between 4% and 7%. Semiconductor shares also advanced, with notable gains in AMD, Micron, and Nvidia. Among megacaps, Amazon, Alphabet, and Tesla edged higher, while Apple and Meta slipped slightly and Microsoft was flat. Investors are now focused on a heavy U.S. data calendar, capped by Friday’s December jobs report.

Market Movers : On Friday, the top gainers were Brand Engagement Network Inc. (+62.50%), followed by Atlantic International Corp. (+53.38%). On the contrary, ESH Acquisition Corp. (-20.49%), and Laser Photonics Corporation (-19.03%) declined the most the same day.

Commodities Update : WTI and Brent crude futures pared early losses on Monday as markets assessed the impact of the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Despite Venezuela’s vast reserves, analysts see limited immediate supply risk since its output is already below 1 million barrels per day, under 1% of global supply. However, prices could face upward pressure later if U.S. sanctions tighten on other major producers like Iran. The U.S. is also reportedly urging its oil companies to help rebuild Venezuela’s energy sector, while OPEC+ has reaffirmed plans to keep production steady in the first quarter.

Gold, silver, and copper prices all climbed on Monday as geopolitical tensions and supply concerns boosted demand for commodities. Gold jumped over 2% to around $4,430 per ounce and silver surged nearly 4% toward $76 as investors sought safe-haven assets following the U.S. ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Attention is also turning to upcoming U.S. economic data for interest rate clues. Copper rose above $5.8 per pound, supported by tightening global supply, shipping disruptions, and a strike at Chile’s Mantoverde mine, extending last year’s strong gains.

Macro Updates : The dollar index rose above 98.5 on Monday to a two-week high as investors weighed U.S. military action in Venezuela and looked ahead to key economic data that could shape Fed policy. While geopolitical concerns have increased, market reaction remains limited. Attention is now on this week’s jobs and activity reports, with traders still expecting two rate cuts this year despite the Fed signaling just one. President Trump is also set to name a new Fed chair later this month, likely favoring lower interest rates.

Bonds Commentary : The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield slipped to about 4.17% on Monday after briefly hitting a four-month high late last week. Investors weighed geopolitical tensions following the U.S. capture of Venezuela’s president, which boosted safe-haven demand, while a pullback in oil prices eased inflation worries. Markets are now focused on a busy week of U.S. economic data, including the jobs report, and currently expect two Fed rate cuts this year, with a smaller chance of a third.

Futures Update : U.S. stock futures edged higher ahead of the first full trading week of 2026, as investors monitored geopolitical tensions in Venezuela. S&P 500 futures were up 0.3% and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.7%, while Dow futures were little changed. On Friday, both the S&P 500 and Dow posted small gains, breaking four-day losing streaks, helped by strength in semiconductor stocks like Nvidia and Intel.

Following the decline seen at the end of 2025, stocks experienced fluctuations throughout the first trading day of 2026 on Friday, ultimately ending the day with little change. The S&P 500 dropped by 12.99 points, or 0.19%, closing at 6,858.48. From a technical perspective, the index is currently near a critical support level and may potentially rebound in the next session. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains near the midpoint, indicating that some buying momentum could emerge soon. Key support is around 6,785, with resistance expected near 6,944.