Asian stocks rise as markets weigh U.S. action in Venezuela

Asian stocks climbed and oil was volatile after reports the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and said it had placed Venezuela under temporary American control.

Asian markets moved higher on Monday as investors digested weekend developments in Venezuela and prepared for a busy week of economic data. Reports said U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and President Donald Trump announced the U.S. was placing Venezuela under temporary American control. Oil prices were choppy as markets also considered an OPEC+ decision to keep output unchanged. Traders noted mixed regional moves as activity resumed after the holiday period. What is known: - President Donald Trump said the U.S. was putting Venezuela under temporary American control, and the weekend saw reports the U.S. captured President Nicolás Maduro. - MSCI's index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was reported up about 1.2%, and S&P 500 e-mini futures were modestly higher. - Brent crude futures were reported up about 0.2%, trading near $60.87, as markets weighed the Venezuela developments and an OPEC+ vote to hold output. - Regional moves included the Nikkei rising about 2.8%, South Korea's Kospi and Taiwan climbing more than 2% to fresh highs, while Hong Kong energy stocks were reported lower. Summary: Markets in Asia rose while oil showed volatility as investors assessed reports of U.S. action in Venezuela alongside an OPEC+ decision to keep output unchanged. Officials announced the U.S. had taken temporary control of Venezuela after the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Some economists in the reporting noted limited near-term global economic effects, while geopolitical ramifications were expected to continue unfolding. Undetermined at this time.