At a Glance
- US troops captured Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and took control of Venezuela’s oil
- Energy prices fell; Bitcoin briefly topped $93k while total crypto cap hit $3.25T
- This week’s focus: ISM manufacturing PMI, ADP jobs, JOLTS, and December payrolls
- Why it matters: Rate-cut bets hinge on labor data as geopolitical shocks ripple through markets
The first full trading week of 2026 opened with explosions in Caracas and a dramatic US claim over Venezuela’s oil, sending traditional markets reeling while crypto prices pushed higher.
Weekend Shock: Maduro Detained
A US military operation captured President Maduro and his wife, with blasts reported around the capital. President Trump stated America will now run Venezuela’s oil sector, triggering an immediate slide in energy futures.
Crypto’s Early Resilience
Bitcoin gained $3k in Asian hours, climbing above $93,000 before easing slightly. Ethereum topped $3,200 and altcoins like XRP, Dogecoin, Chainlink, and Hyperliquid posted multi-week gains. The total crypto market cap rose 2% to its highest level since December 10.
> “Volatility continues to be the norm as macroeconomic headwinds continue to shift rapidly,” the Kobeissi Letter noted.
What’s Ahead on the Calendar
| Day | Indicator | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Tue | ISM Manufacturing PMI | Dec |
| Wed | ADP Nonfarm Employment | Dec |
| Wed | JOLTS Job Openings | Nov |
| Fri | December Jobs Report | Dec |
| Fri | U. of Mich. Consumer Sentiment | Jan |
The Fed cut rates three times last year amid labor-market softening, making this week’s figures critical for policy expectations.
Eric Kuby, chief investment officer at North Star Investment Management, told Reuters that the softening jobs picture has “given the Fed good cover to change their outlook about reducing rates.”
Key Takeaways
- Geopolitical risk is back on the table after the Caracas operation
- Crypto markets have so far absorbed the shock better than energy
- Labor metrics will dominate sentiment until Friday’s payroll print
- Rate-cut bets could shift quickly on weaker employment data
Traders return from holidays to a world where politics, oil, and jobs data collide-and crypto is watching every move.
