Gold and Silver Prices Rise After Venezuela Developments

Gold jumped about 4% this week and silver rose more than 10% after Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro was reported captured and taken to face U.S. criminal charges; exchanges had recently raised margin requirements on metal futures.

Gold and silver prices have moved higher following recent developments in Venezuela. Officials reported that Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces and transferred to face criminal charges in the United States. Since that report, gold has risen roughly 4% this week and silver has climbed more than 10%, with silver again above $80 per ounce. The rally had temporarily slowed last week after exchanges increased margin requirements on gold and silver futures. Noted details: - Officials reported Maduro was captured by U.S. military forces and taken to face U.S. criminal charges. - Gold rose about 4% this week and approached its late-December record level, while silver gained over 10% and surpassed $80 per ounce. - CME Group expanded margin requirements on gold and silver futures contracts last week, which had earlier reduced some upward momentum. Summary: Price moves reflect increased demand for safe-haven assets amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Undetermined at this time.