The price of precious metals have risen recently, particularly after the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
This is a typical phenomenon geopolitical risks rise, with investors moving their money into “safe-haven assets”.
Gold was about 2.2% higher at $4,424 an ounce.
The price of silver was up by 3.9% an ounce.
Both gold and silver hit record highs in 2025 before losing ground in the last few days of 2025.
But gold saw an astounding annual performance in 2025: it rose by over 60%, reaching a value that hasn’t been seen since 1979, and even all-time high on December 26.
In contrast, prices of crude oil fell after fluctuating, making Trump’s claim that the US will get rich off of Venezuela’s oil somewhat laughable for the time being — particularly given the fact that Venezuela’s infrastructure would require billions in investment for oil production to take off.
Despite its massive reserves, Venezuela only produces 1% of global oil output at present — an output that could even sink with an overhaul.
However, global tensions are not the only factor, although these inform the other factors at play — like the expectation of interest rate cuts, as well as major purchases of bullion (precious metals) by central banks.
