On a surprising turn of events, the U.S. military apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, leading to Delcy Rodríguez being sworn in as the new president. This swift political change could signal a significant shift in Venezuela’s economic landscape, with U.S. energy companies, including Chevron Corporation (CVX), expected to invest billions into stabilizing the country’s energy sector.
In other geopolitical developments, President Trump recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss a potential framework for ending the ongoing conflict with Russia, including a U.S. security guarantee of up to 15 years post-war. Meanwhile, large-scale anti-government protests continue in Iran, with demonstrations erupting in over 220 locations across 26 provinces amid economic strife and currency collapse.
These unfolding events suggest a possible “peace dividend” by 2026, as global tensions ease, which could lead to improved economic conditions and increased investor confidence. The stock market may experience a relief rally if the Russia-Ukraine conflict resolves, while potential leadership changes in Iran could also contribute to a more stable global environment.
