Currency markets are giving a first read-out before US equity-index futures and US crude futures start trading, with Brent crude opening later. Traders are also watching precious metals such as gold and silver that have recently become a hot segment of the market. Although Venezuela isn’t a top-20 crude producer, any persistent increase in oil prices and its inflationary impact on economies pose a risk for markets. “We don’t think the situation will escalate into a sustained oil shock, and this should be a short-lived sentiment drag.”Early signals suggest that the global oil market will largely take the move in its stride. Investors will also be keeping an eye on US Treasury yields, which can weigh on stocks if they rise too quickly.

Source: The Edge Markets January 04, 2026 23:13 UTC