Silver Surges Nearly 4% Toward $76 per Ounce Amid Escalating Venezuela Tensions

Silver posted strong gains of nearly 4% during today's session, moving toward the $76 per ounce level and extending its rally for a second consecutive session, as demand for safe-haven metals rose following fast-moving geopolitical developments in Venezuela.

The surge came after the United States announced a military operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, bringing political risks back to the forefront of the markets. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington would temporarily manage the Venezuelan situation until a political transition is completed, while the Secretary of State indicated that the U.S. has sufficient leverage without direct administration of the country.

Alongside geopolitical factors, investors are closely watching key U.S. economic data this week, chiefly the December jobs report, which could have a direct impact on expectations for Federal Reserve monetary policy.

Silver had already posted a nearly 150% jump last year, supported by constrained supply, strong industrial and investment demand, and a supportive monetary environment.

Export restrictions imposed by China - which accounts for 60% to 70% of global refined silver production - have also deepened the structural deficit in the market, further supporting the upward trend for the white metal.