Markets show mixed reaction after U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader

Oil and precious metals rose and major Asian stock indexes climbed after reports of the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Reports that U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend prompted a notable market response on Monday. Oil prices edged higher and precious metals rose, while several major Asian stock indexes opened substantially higher. U.S. futures were mixed after modest gains on Friday. The article notes that Venezuela's oil industry has been in disrepair and would likely need years and major investment to return to past production levels. Key market moves: - Oil rose modestly, with U.S. benchmark crude near $57.44 per barrel and Brent around $60.89 per barrel. - Gold increased about 2%, while silver and platinum each jumped about 6%. - Tokyo's Nikkei 225 climbed 2.9% to 51,777.99 and South Korea's Kospi rose 2.3% to 4,406.55. - The article mentions U.S. indexes had small moves on Friday, with the S&P 500 up about 0.2%, the Dow up about 0.7%, and the Nasdaq nearly unchanged. Summary: Financial markets registered mixed but immediate moves, with safe-haven metals rising and energy prices edging up. The broader direction of markets remains undetermined at this time; this week will bring several economic updates and the Federal Reserve's next meeting is scheduled for the end of January.