Gold prices climbed Monday along with other precious metals, after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over the weekend, escalating geopolitical tensions and fueling safe-haven demand.
As of 0742 GMT, spot gold rose 2.2% to $4,424.17 per ounce, a one-week high. U.S. gold futures for February delivery gained 2.4% to $4,434.20.
“The kidnapping of a foreign head of state naturally leads to high degrees of instability, and in this environment, gold and silver are viewed as a solid hedge against uncertainty,” said Tim Waterer, KCM Trade’s chief market analyst.
On Saturday, the U.S. captured Maduro in an attack that was Washington’s most controversial intervention in Latin America since the invasion of Panama 37 years ago.
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has taken over as interim leader and said that Maduro remains president.
Geopolitical tensions, combined with interest rate cuts, robust central bank purchases and inflows into exchange-traded funds contributed to bullion’s 64% gains last year, its biggest annual gain since 1979.
It hit a record high of $4,549.71 on December 26, 2025.
Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President Anna Paulson said on Saturday that further rate cuts could be some way off after an active campaign of easing last year.
Her comments come as investors still expect at least two Fed rate cuts this year.
Meanwhile, investors are focused on non-farm payroll data, which is due Friday, for more cues into potential Fed rate cuts, Waterer added.
Non-yielding assets tend to do well in a low-interest-rate environment and during geopolitical or economic uncertainties.
Spot silver added 3.9% to $75.50 per ounce, after hitting an all-time high of $83.62 on December 29. The metal ended its best ever year on record 147% higher.
Silver was propelled to fresh highs by its designation as a critical U.S. mineral last year and on supply constraints in the face of rising industrial and investment demand.
Spot platinum rose 3.9% to $2,226.24 per ounce after touching an all-time high of $2,478.50 last Monday. It gained more than 5% in early Asia hours to a one-week high.
