Category: Market News

Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) advanced on Monday, moving in step with a broader rebound in technology stocks, though upside remained constrained as markets assessed the fallout from the U.S. military action in Venezuela.

Investors are also looking ahead to a busy week of economic data, with U.S. nonfarm payrolls for December in sharp focus. By 01:33 ET, Bitcoin was trading 1.1% higher at $92,264.5.

The world’s largest cryptocurrency drew support from strength in tech shares, which it often mirrors, as optimism around artificial intelligence continued to underpin sentiment. Other digital assets also edged higher. Even so, Bitcoin is still clawing back losses after ending 2025 down 6.4%, as enthusiasm for the sector faded in the second half of the year amid mounting questions about its longer-term outlook.

Venezuela fallout in focus after U.S. captures Maduro

Gains across Bitcoin and the wider crypto market were tempered by caution surrounding the aftermath of the U.S. strike on Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Footage showed Maduro being held in New York, where he is expected to face legal proceedings in a U.S. court.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would “run” Venezuela until a new leader is elected, and added that the country’s oil industry would be opened to foreign participation.

International reaction has been mixed. Several Latin American nations criticised the move, alongside Russia and China. Adding to the uncertainty, Trump warned of possible similar action against Colombia and Cuba, and also raised the prospect of steps involving Iran.

The operation in Venezuela increased demand for traditional safe havens, with both gold and the U.S. dollar seeing strong buying interest.

Bitcoin works through 2025 losses

Bitcoin’s early-2026 recovery has been partly driven by bargain hunting following its 6.4% decline in 2025.

Although the cryptocurrency notched multiple record highs last year amid expectations of a more supportive regulatory backdrop under the Trump administration, momentum faded toward year-end. Sentiment weakened as concerns grew over the long-term viability of Bitcoin-focused treasury firms such as Strategy, particularly after the company was excluded from a major U.S. equity index.

Investor confidence was also shaken by a sharp flash crash in October, while institutional inflows into crypto funds appeared to slow in the final months of the year.

Crypto prices today: altcoins edge higher

Elsewhere in the crypto market, prices posted modest gains in line with Bitcoin.

Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency, was little changed at $3,144.41, while XRP climbed 2.1%. BNB rose 1%, and both Solana and Cardano gained less than 1%.

Among meme tokens, Dogecoin slipped 0.4%, while $TRUMP added 0.6%.

Gold and silver prices pushed sharply higher as investors returned to safe-haven assets following the U.S. operation that led to the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend, intensifying geopolitical uncertainty.

Spot gold rose more than 2% to $4,431 an ounce, while February futures advanced to $4,442, their highest level since December 29. The rally extends gold’s strong momentum into 2026 after a gain of over 60% in 2025, a year in which the metal set a record high of $4,549.71 an ounce—its strongest annual performance since 1979—despite heavy profit-taking late in the year.

Silver posted even stronger gains, with spot prices jumping 4% to $75.83 an ounce and futures touching $75.96. The metal significantly outperformed gold in 2025, surging more than 130% after starting the year near $24 an ounce.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States plans to “govern” Venezuela following Maduro’s removal, leaving uncertainty over the country’s political direction. Trump added that Washington is seeking “total access” to the country, including its oil reserves.

Nicky Shiels, head of metals research and strategy at MKS Pamp, said investors are likely to favour assets viewed as lower risk in the current climate. She noted that “the ouster of the Venezuelan president is likely to accelerate demand for gold from non-Western central banks.”

Shiels also questioned the fate of around 31 tonnes of Venezuelan gold stored in the Bank of England’s vaults. British courts have previously rejected Maduro’s requests for the release of the gold after the UK deemed his presidency illegitimate.

The developments “have reinforced an environment of geopolitical uncertainty,” said Christopher Wong, an analyst at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. in Singapore. However, he added that near-term risks appear limited, as “developments in Venezuela point to a relatively rapid closure, rather than a protracted military conflict.”

Oil prices edged lower on Monday as the global market’s ample supply helped cushion concerns stemming from political turmoil in Venezuela, despite the U.S. detention of President Nicolas Maduro in the country with the world’s largest proven crude reserves.

Brent crude futures were down 23 cents, or 0.4%, at $60.52 a barrel by 09:40 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 21 cents, also 0.4%, to $57.11 a barrel.

Trading was volatile in early Asian hours as investors digested developments in Venezuela—an OPEC member whose oil exports have been constrained by U.S. sanctions—and weighed the potential consequences for global supply.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would assume control of the country and confirmed that the embargo on Venezuelan oil would remain in place after Maduro was detained and transferred to a New York jail on Sunday.

Analysts noted that, in a market already well supplied, any additional disruption to Venezuelan exports is unlikely to have a meaningful short-term impact on prices. Venezuela’s oil production has steadily declined over the past two decades due to mismanagement and a lack of foreign investment following the nationalisation of the industry in the early 2000s. Output averaged about 1.1 million barrels per day last year, representing roughly 1% of global supply.

Kazuhiko Fuji, a consulting fellow at Japan’s Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, also pointed out that U.S. strikes had not damaged Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. “Even if Venezuelan exports are temporarily disrupted, over 80% are destined for China, which has built up ample reserves,” Fuji said.

Venezuela’s acting president said on Sunday that the country was willing to work with the United States. “This reduces the risk for an extended embargo on Venezuelan oil exports with oil potentially flowing freely out of Venezuela in not too long,” SEB analysts said.

Trump also raised the prospect of further U.S. intervention, suggesting Colombia and Mexico could face military action if they fail to curb illicit drug flows. Separately, analysts are monitoring Iran’s response after Trump threatened on Friday to intervene in a crackdown on protests in the OPEC producer.

Meanwhile, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies agreed over the weekend to keep output levels unchanged, reinforcing expectations of a well-supplied oil market.

Futures linked to major U.S. equity benchmarks traded mostly higher ahead of the first full trading week of the new year. Oil prices slipped after U.S. forces captured the leader of oil-rich Venezuela, while shares of major U.S. energy companies such as Chevron (NYSE:CVX) and ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) advanced in after-hours trading. The U.S. dollar also firmed as markets weighed the global implications of the U.S. operation. Separately, reports showed U.S. auto sales rose in 2025 despite pressures from tariffs, supply-chain disruptions and the expiration of tax incentives.

Futures mostly higher

U.S. stock futures pointed broadly upward on Monday as investors assessed geopolitical developments in Venezuela alongside a busy economic calendar.

By 02:46 ET, Dow futures were largely unchanged, S&P 500 futures were up 6 points, or 0.1%, and Nasdaq 100 futures gained 75 points, or 0.3%.

On Friday, both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average posted modest gains in the first session of 2026, supported by strength in semiconductor stocks such as Nvidia and Intel. The move ended four-day losing streaks for both indices.

Market participants are now watching whether U.S. equities can extend their multi-year rally, after all three major Wall Street indices recorded double-digit gains in 2025. That marked a third consecutive year of advances for the S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq Composite, matching the run seen from 2019 to 2021.

Oil slides after U.S. captures Venezuela’s Maduro

Crude prices moved lower on Monday after the surprise U.S. operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro raised expectations of increased supply from the major Latin American producer.

By 03:08 ET, Brent crude futures for March were down 0.8% at $60.27 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate futures fell 0.9% to $56.82.

Maduro was detained in a weekend operation and is expected to face drug-trafficking charges in New York. President Donald Trump said the United States would temporarily administer Venezuela until a new leader is elected, adding that major U.S. oil companies would be allowed to operate in the country.

Shares of Chevron, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) all jumped in extended trading.

Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, but output has been constrained by aging infrastructure and strict U.S. sanctions.

In a note, ING’s head of commodities strategy Warren Patterson said comments from Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez suggesting cooperation with the United States point to the possibility of a “smooth transition.”

Such an outcome could increase the chances of U.S. restrictions on sanctioned oil tankers being lifted, putting short-term downward pressure on prices, Patterson said. By contrast, a “messier transition” could place roughly 900,000 barrels per day of supply at risk, although any upside impact would likely be limited in an already “well-supplied” market.

Dollar catches a bid

The U.S. dollar strengthened alongside gold and the Swiss franc, with ING analysts pointing to “a modest flight to quality” following the weekend’s events in Venezuela.

Debate is intensifying over the implications of a potential U.S.-backed regime change, an uncertainty that has boosted demand for “the liquidity of the dollar,” the analysts said.

Trump has also raised the possibility of further military action if Venezuela’s interim administration does not cooperate, while also warning of potential moves against Colombia and reiterating his view that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary for national security.

Bitcoin advances

Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) edged higher, tracking gains in technology stocks, although advances were capped by lingering caution after the U.S. offensive in Venezuela.

Attention this week is also focused on key economic releases, particularly U.S. nonfarm payrolls data for December.

Bitcoin was up 1.1% at $92,264.5 by 01:33 ET. The cryptocurrency benefited from optimism around artificial intelligence and rising tech shares, which it often follows. Broader crypto markets also moved higher.

U.S. auto sales tick up in 2025

New vehicle sales in the United States rose by about 2% in 2025, despite headwinds from the end of electric-vehicle tax credits, shifting tariff policies and supply-chain challenges.

Analyst estimates cited by Reuters showed roughly 16 million vehicles were sold last year, driven mainly by combustion-engine trucks, SUVs and hybrid models.

While some automakers raised prices on vehicles produced outside the U.S., tariffs had little impact on overall pricing, Reuters reported. Average retail transaction prices for new vehicles in December were expected to rise just 1.5% year on year to $47,104.

Analysts cautioned, however, that ongoing economic uncertainty and additional tariff-related costs could weigh on auto demand in 2026.

European equities moved higher on Monday, adding to gains seen at the start of the year, as investors rotated into defence stocks following U.S. military action in Venezuela that reignited geopolitical tensions.

By 08:10 GMT, the pan-European STOXX 600 index was up 0.3%. Market participation is expected to improve as investors return from the New Year holiday period and trading activity normalises.

Defence shares led sector performance, with the sector index climbing 2.7% to its highest level in two months. Technology stocks and basic resources also posted solid gains, rising 2.1% and 2.0% respectively.

Market attention remains focused on the aftermath of the weekend operation in which U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington would place Venezuela under temporary American control, adding to uncertainty around the geopolitical outlook.

Beyond geopolitics, investors are closely monitoring central banks, assessing incoming economic data for signals on the timing and pace of potential interest rate cuts.

In the resources sector, mining stocks including Glencore (LSE:GLEN), Rio Tinto (LSE:RIO) and Anglo American (LSE:AAL) advanced, supported by rising copper prices.

Meanwhile, shares in ASML (EU:ASML), the world’s largest supplier of chipmaking equipment, jumped 3.9%. The move followed an upgrade from analysts at Bernstein, who lifted their rating on the stock to “outperform” from “market perform” and raised their price target to €1,300 from €800.

Shares in leading European defence groups moved sharply higher on Monday, with companies such as Leonardo (BIT:LDO), Saab, Rheinmetall (TG:RHM), Renk (TG:R3NK), Hensoldt (TG:HAG), Kongsberg (TG:KOZ1), Dassault Aviation (EU:AM) and BAE Systems (LSE:BA.) posting gains of roughly 4.3% to 7.5% by 04:11 ET (09:11 GMT).

The rally came as geopolitical tensions escalated following a large-scale U.S. military operation in Venezuela over the weekend. During the operation, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both were subsequently flown to New York, where they are facing drug-trafficking charges.

Addressing reporters on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would take temporary control of Venezuela to oversee the transition following Maduro’s removal.
“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said.
He also signalled a willingness to sustain a military presence if necessary, adding, “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground.”

Trump did not outline a specific timetable for the transition, but said the immediate aim was to stabilise the country after the operation. His comments were later softened by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said on Sunday that the United States did not plan to directly govern Venezuela. Rubio indicated that Washington would instead rely on diplomatic and economic pressure to achieve its objectives, stopping short of confirming any formal U.S. administration.

European stock markets opened the week on a firmer footing as investors digested the news. In early trading, the UK’s FTSE 100 was up 0.2%, France’s CAC 40 had gained 0.5%, and Germany’s DAX was higher by 1.1%.

“Almost always, when threats of military action increase, defense budgets move higher, leading to positive trends for defense stocks,” said Bernstein analyst Douglas Harned. “If money is needed for Venezuela or other active combat situations, we expect it will be additive.”

Seeing Machines (LSE:SEE) has announced plans to unveil its next-generation 3D Cabin Perception Mapping technology at CES 2026. The solution is designed to deliver high-fidelity, real-time monitoring of all vehicle occupants, with the aim of improving safety outcomes while also enhancing the overall in-cabin experience.

At the event, the company will demonstrate how its advanced interior sensing capabilities can be combined with external sensor systems to enable more intelligent and automated driving functionality. Seeing Machines will also highlight its production-ready driver and occupant monitoring rear-view mirror solution, which is already deployed in its largest automotive programme to date. In addition, the group is set to feature across several partner exhibits, reflecting its expanding collaborations within the autonomous and assisted driving ecosystem.

Despite the strong technology momentum, Seeing Machines’ outlook continues to be constrained by weak profitability and pressured cash flows, even as revenue growth remains robust. Technical indicators point to a clear upward trend in the share price, although momentum appears stretched. Management guidance has been constructive, citing regulation-driven demand and cost reduction initiatives, but recent revenue softness and delays in sales cycles and RFQs mean execution risks remain elevated.

More about Seeing Machines

Seeing Machines was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Australia. The company is a global leader in vision-based monitoring technology focused on improving transport safety. Its AI-powered driver and occupant monitoring systems track eye movement and assess cognitive state and accident risk, serving automotive, commercial fleet, off-road and aviation markets through partnerships with leading manufacturers across Australia, the US, Europe and Asia.

Power Metal Resources (LSE:POW) has completed its initial US$350,000 earn-in commitment at the Balthaga project in Saudi Arabia, securing a 20% interest and the option to increase its holding by a further 10% through additional near-term expenditure.

The company has also concluded a comprehensive re-evaluation of the project, drawing on newly available geological, geochemical and geophysical datasets from the Saudi Geological Survey, alongside historic exploration results. This data-led review has materially refined the geological model and identified 12 updated exploration targets considered prospective for granite-related rare and critical metals, including lithium, tin, tungsten, niobium, tantalum, beryllium and rare earth elements.

The work confirms that Balthaga sits within a highly evolved and mineralised crustal terrane and highlights the presence of specialised Dahul and Huqban granite intrusions enriched in multiple critical metals. Zones of elevated prospectivity have been delineated through stream sediment and soil geochemistry, including a major fault-controlled corridor within the Huqban area. While ore-grade rock samples have yet to be identified, the technical synthesis—independently reviewed by SRK Consulting—supports plans for further soil sampling, trenching and drilling.

Power Metal said the advancing geological understanding strengthens Balthaga’s role within EV Metals Group’s broader mine-to-refine strategy and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions under Vision 2030 to develop a domestic critical minerals sector.

From a market perspective, Power Metal’s outlook reflects strong reported revenue growth and a solid balance sheet, partially offset by ongoing operational challenges and negative cash flows. The shares appear undervalued on some measures, although technical indicators suggest caution due to bearish trends.

More about Power Metal Resources Plc

Power Metal Resources PLC is a London-listed mineral exploration and project incubation company with a global portfolio focused on critical and specialty metals. Through its majority-owned subsidiary Power Arabia Ltd, the group is active across the Arabian Shield in Saudi Arabia, partnering with regional stakeholders to advance projects targeting rare earth elements and other high-value battery and technology metals.

accesso Technology Group (LSE:ASCO) has indicated that its full-year performance for 2025 is expected to meet market expectations, with a more detailed trading update and guidance for 2026 scheduled for release later in January.

The company said that a major customer, which had previously been expected to cease using one of accesso’s software products, has now agreed to extend the relationship on revised commercial terms for at least one year from 1 January 2026. This positive development is being offset by the decision of another significant client not to renew its contract for the same solution after 31 January 2026. accesso currently expects the opposing contract movements to have a broadly neutral impact at Cash EBITDA level, supported by ongoing initiatives to improve operational efficiency as the group continues to support customers in a challenging macroeconomic environment.

accesso Technology’s overall outlook remains underpinned by solid financial performance and a clear strategic focus, including initiatives such as share buybacks and continued investment in technology integration. While technical indicators point to some near-term bearish trends, the company’s strong financial position and emphasis on growth and diversification are seen as providing a stable platform for future performance.

More about accesso Technology

accesso Technology Group is a UK-listed provider of technology solutions for the leisure, entertainment and cultural sectors. The group serves more than 1,200 venues across 33 countries, offering a portfolio that includes ticketing, point-of-sale, virtual queuing, distribution and experience management software. Its products are designed to help operators increase revenues, improve operational efficiency and enhance guest experiences through data-driven insights and ongoing research and development.

SkinBioTherapeutics (LSE:SBTX) has announced a series of senior leadership changes aimed at enhancing financial governance and board oversight. The company has appointed Alyson Levett as a non-executive director and Chair of the Audit Committee, bringing additional audit and governance expertise to the board.

In parallel, Group Finance Director Emily Bertram has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer and appointed as an executive director, with both changes taking effect from 1 January 2026. As part of the reshuffle, Danielle Bekker has stepped down from the board but will continue to support the company in an external advisory capacity. SkinBioTherapeutics said the changes are intended to strengthen financial oversight at a time when management anticipates a particularly active year, potentially supporting improved execution of its growth and consolidation strategy in the skin health market.

Despite the governance enhancements, the company’s overall outlook continues to be shaped by financial headwinds, including ongoing losses and negative cash flows. Technical indicators point to bearish momentum, while valuation metrics remain under pressure due to a negative price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of a dividend yield. Collectively, these factors suggest a cautious stance among investors despite the board-level improvements.

More about SkinBioTherapeutics

SkinBioTherapeutics plc is a UK-based life sciences company focused on skin health, built around its proprietary SkinBiotix® platform derived from research at the University of Manchester. The group operates across five strategic pillars, with its most advanced activities in cosmetic skincare through a partnership with Croda, where SkinBiotix® is used as the active ingredient Zenakine™, and in gut–skin axis food supplements marketed under the AxisBiotix™ brand for inflammatory skin conditions. SkinBioTherapeutics is also pursuing a consolidation strategy through acquisitions of complementary skincare and cosmetic businesses and has been listed on AIM since 2017, with headquarters in Newcastle, UK.