Precious Metals Remain Strong: Why That’s a Red Flag for Stocks Amid Venezuela Tumult

Group 1: Precious Metals Market - Gold and silver prices are rising due to safe-haven demand following the U.S. raid in Venezuela that captured its president, leading traders to consider geopolitical implications in the coming months [1] - Platinum futures reached a record high of $3,563.50 per ounce, while palladium futures hit a three-year high of $1,984.70 per ounce, indicating strong market performance in these metals [5] - The gold and silver markets are experiencing solid rallies driven by strong safe-haven buying, reflecting increased risk-off sentiment among investors [8] Group 2: Copper Market - Copper futures have climbed above $6 per pound, reaching a new record high due to expectations of tightening global supplies this year [2] - Concerns are growing among traders that potential new tariffs on refined metals by the Trump administration could disrupt shipments into the U.S., affecting supply in major trading hubs like London and Shanghai [3] Group 3: Global Stock Markets - Asian stock markets are experiencing their best-ever start to a year, with key indexes reaching record highs and the MSCI Asia Pacific Index up around 4% in the first four trading sessions of 2026 [6] - European stock markets are also performing well, with the STOXX 600 reaching an all-time high and the German DAX and U.K.'s FTSE 100 indices hitting fresh record highs [7]