Gold prices rose today, Monday, January 5, and other precious metals also rose, after the United States arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at the weekend, which led to escalation of geopolitical tensions and enhanced demand for safe haven assets.
Gold prices reached their highest levels in a week, approaching a record peak, as the US attacks in Venezuela increased the attractiveness of the precious metal.
Gold rose in instant transactions by 2.7% to $4,447.05 per ounce, after recording earlier in the session its highest levels since December 29.
The precious metal reached a record level of $4,549.71 on December 26, and US gold futures for February delivery increased 3% to reach $4,457.4.
Gold achieved strong gains during 2025, ending the year up by 64%, its largest annual rise since 1979, supported by interest rate cuts, increased demand for safe havens, and strong flows into exchange-traded funds.
Investors currently expect that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates at least twice this year.
The United States arrested Maduro last Saturday, in an operation that reportedly resulted in the killing of civilians, while US President Donald Trump said that Washington would take control of the country.
On the other hand, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced her assumption of the position of interim president with the support of the Supreme Court of Venezuela, confirming that Maduro is still president of the country.
Non-yielding assets, such as gold, typically perform well in a low interest rate environment, as well as in periods of geopolitical or economic uncertainty.
As for other precious metals, silver jumped in spot transactions by 4.5% to $75.86 per ounce, after recording its highest level ever at $83.62 per ounce on December 29.
Silver ended the year 2025 with gains of 147%, far outperforming gold, in its best annual performance ever.
Silver’s gains were driven by its classification as a “vital American metal,” in addition to the restrictions imposed on supply in light of the rise in industrial and investment demand.
Platinum rose in spot transactions by 1.5% to $2,175.15 per ounce, after touching a record level of $2,478.50 last Monday. It had also jumped by more than 5% earlier in the session, recording its highest level in a week. On the other hand, palladium rose by 0.4% to $1,645.0 per ounce.
