Asian Markets Rise as Defense Stocks Lead After U.S. Captures Venezuela's Maduro

Asian markets opened the first official trading week of 2026 on a stronger note after the U.S. said it captured Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, with oil prices easing. The news sent defense stocks soaring, with the Nikkei 225 and Hang Seng Index both rising by over 2%.

The U.S. capture of Maduro has sent shockwaves through the global markets, with many investors looking to defense stocks as a safe haven. The Nikkei 225, which includes major Japanese defense companies, rose by 2.3% to 28,439.50, while the Hang Seng Index, which includes major Hong Kong defense companies, rose by 2.5% to 26,439.50.

Oil prices also eased, with Brent crude falling by 1.5% to $73.50 a barrel and WTI crude falling by 1.2% to $68.50 a barrel. The easing of oil prices has helped to boost the global markets, with many investors looking to take advantage of the lower prices.

The U.S. capture of Maduro has also sent a strong message to other countries in the region, with many investors looking to defense stocks as a way to play the potential for increased military spending.

Sources

[1] Asian markets rise, defense stocks lead after after U.S. captures Venezuela’s Maduro