America News Agency

Spot gold rose 0.1% to $4,452.27 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures gained 0.2% to $4,459.85 per ounce. The yellow metal jumped 2.7% in the previous session, marking its strongest daily gain in weeks as investors turned to precious metals amid rising uncertainty in global markets.

Last week, gold hit a record high of $4,549.71 per ounce before retreating on heavy profit-taking. Since then, prices have rebounded and moved back toward peak levels.

The rally has been driven largely by developments in Venezuela. Over the weekend, U.S. forces carried out a surprise operation and captured President Nicolás Maduro, sharply increasing geopolitical risk and rattling commodity markets.

According to officials, Maduro was transferred to the United States to face long-standing drug-related charges and pleaded not guilty in a New York court on Monday.

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet with executives from major U.S. oil companies to discuss ways to boost Venezuela’s oil production.

Expectations that geopolitical tensions and policy changes will persist for an extended period have increased gold’s appeal as a hedge against volatility.

Gold prices have also been supported by expectations that U.S. interest rates will fall further in 2026. Markets are currently pricing in two additional rate cuts by the Federal Reserve (Fed) this year, supporting non-yielding assets such as gold.

Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari said inflation in the U.S. is gradually easing, strengthening hopes that the central bank could have room to loosen policy if price pressures remain moderate.

Investors are closely watching upcoming U.S. economic data for further clues on the Fed’s policy path. The December nonfarm payrolls report due on Friday is expected to be a key gauge of labor market resilience and could influence rate expectations in the months ahead.