Are Gold and Silver Prices Rising Due to US-Venezuela Tensions?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) The week began on a robust note for gold and silver prices on Monday, as escalating global tensions directed investors towards safe-haven assets. Precious metals experienced significant gains following a US military operation in Venezuela over the weekend, which added new uncertainties to the global geopolitical landscape.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), February gold futures opened at Rs 1,36,300 per 10 grams, slightly lower than the previous close of Rs 1,36,761. Prices continued to increase throughout the session, reaching an intra-day high of Rs 1,38,200, representing a surge of Rs 2,439.
By 8:45 PM, MCX gold was trading at Rs 1,37,798 per 10 grams, reflecting an increase of Rs 2,037, or 1.50 percent. Meanwhile, in the international market, spot gold prices climbed 2.3 percent to $4,425 per ounce.
Silver prices also experienced a notable rise after a subdued end to Friday's trading session. The March silver futures contract on MCX soared by Rs 13,584 per kilogram, reaching a day’s high of Rs 2,49,900, up from the previous close of Rs 2,35,873.
Other precious metals also attracted strong buying interest, with platinum increasing by 5.3 percent and palladium by 5 percent. This rally in precious metals was primarily fueled by heightened geopolitical tensions between the US and Venezuela.
Over the weekend, US forces conducted a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. They were reportedly transported to New York and faced charges related to narco-terrorism conspiracy and other criminal offenses.
Despite Venezuela’s troubled economy and ongoing hyperinflation, the military actions have raised broader global concerns, driving demand for safe-haven assets such as gold and silver. Venezuela is known to possess some of the largest crude oil reserves in the world, adding geopolitical significance to the situation.
US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that Washington would “run” Venezuela until a political transition is achieved, following US military strikes in the South American country. Trump also mentioned that American oil companies would invest billions to restore Venezuela’s damaged oil infrastructure and tap into its vast oil wealth.