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Gold Prices Rise After U.S. Seizure of Venezuela’s President Maduro
Gold prices surged nearly 1.8% during early Asian trading as investors turned to safe-haven assets, while silver jumped about 3.5%. Despite recent easing, gold remains at historic highs after a 60% rise in 2025. Oil prices were largely stable, with analysts saying the U.S. takeover of Venezuela’s leadership is unlikely to have an immediate impact on global energy markets, as Venezuela currently supplies only about 1% of the world’s oil.
Gold prices rose sharply during early Asian trading on Monday, gaining nearly 1.8% to trade around $4,408 per kilogram, equivalent to approximately RWF 6.43 million, as investors shifted capital toward traditional safe-haven assets.
Oil prices, however, showed limited movement, while equity markets across the region traded mostly higher.
Both gold and silver reached record highs earlier in 2025, before easing slightly in recent days. Despite the pullback, gold has remained at historically elevated levels, marking its strongest performance since 1979. The precious metal has surged by more than 60% over the past year, peaking at an all-time high of $4,549.71 on December 26, 2025.
Analysts attribute gold’s rally to a combination of factors, including expectations of interest rate cuts, sustained purchases by major central banks, and persistent investor concerns over geopolitical tensions and the uncertain global economic outlook.
Oil prices fluctuated during early trading before easing slightly by mid-morning. Market participants remain cautious about potential disruptions to global oil trade following the United States’ seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to take control of Venezuela’s vast oil resources following Maduro’s arrest, stating that Washington would oversee the country until a “safe, orderly, and well-planned transition” is achieved. However, energy experts say the move is unlikely to have any immediate impact on global fuel prices or supply chains.
Industry specialists further note that restoring and upgrading Venezuela’s oil infrastructure would require massive investment, running into billions of dollars, after years of deterioration dating back to the early 2000s.
Although Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, its contribution to global supply remains limited due to long-standing U.S. sanctions. Currently, the country accounts for only about 1% of global oil production, significantly reducing its influence on international energy markets.
Gold Prices Rise After U.S. Seizure of Venezuela’s President Maduro
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