Asia-Pacific markets began the first full trading week of 2026 on a stronger note after the U.S. said it had attacked Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro over the weekend. Oil prices edged lower as markets weighed the potential impact of geopolitical tensions.
U.S. authorities said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were flown to New York following the operation and charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy and other crimes. An indictment said drug trafficking had “enriched and entrenched Venezuela’s political and military elite.”
Oil prices fell after the escalation involving the oil-rich nation. Brent crude
prices slipped more than 1% earlier before paring losses, and were last trading 0.25% lower, while the West Texas Intermediate
crude prices fell 0.4%.
