Gold, silver surge on USA, Venezuela tensions
Gold prices jumped on Monday, with gains spreading across the precious metals complex, after reports that the United States had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend, heightening geopolitical uncertainty and driving investors toward safe-haven assets.
Spot gold was up 2.12% at $4,433.54 an ounce as of [11:27 am] PST, according to data reported by Mettis Global.
U.S. gold futures for February delivery rose 2.1% to $4,419.90 an ounce, extending a rally fueled by political risk and expectations of looser monetary policy, reported by CNBC.
According to Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, renewed turmoil in Venezuela has strengthened demand for defensive assets.
He said gold and silver are benefiting as investors seek protection against escalating geopolitical risks.
Gold’s latest advance adds to an extraordinary run last year, when bullion surged 64%, marking its strongest annual performance since 1979.
Support came from geopolitical tensions, aggressive interest-rate cuts, heavy central bank buying and strong inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds.
Prices reached a record high of $4,549.71 on December 26, 2025.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Federal Reserve President Anna Paulson said on Saturday that additional rate cuts may not come quickly following last year’s easing cycle.
Her remarks contrast with market expectations, as investors continue to price in at least two U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.
Precious metals typically perform well in environments marked by lower interest rates and heightened geopolitical or economic uncertainty, as they do not yield interest.
Silver outperformed again, with spot prices jumping 4.4% to $75.82 an ounce.
The metal had reached an all-time high of $83.62 on December 29 and ended last year up an extraordinary 147%, its strongest annual gain on record.
Silver’s rally has been driven by supply tightness, rising industrial and investment demand, and its designation as a critical mineral in the United States last year.
Platinum also advanced, rising 2.2% to $2,190.55 an ounce after hitting a record high of $2,478.50 last week. Palladium gained 1.8% to $1,667.45 an ounce, rounding out broad-based strength across the precious metals market.
