Group 1 - The capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro by the US is expected to boost crypto markets in 2026, as it may lead to a drop in global oil prices, driving more capital into digital assets like Bitcoin [1][2] - BlockByte anticipates market volatility due to potential retaliation from China and Russia, who have demanded Maduro's release [2] - Bitcoin's price surged back above $92,000 following Maduro's capture, indicating a positive market reaction [2][3] Group 2 - Short positions worth $180 million were liquidated in the past 24 hours, indicating a shift in market sentiment, compared to $75 million in long positions [3] - The S&P 500 earnings outlook remains solid, with analysts expecting a 15.6% rise in earnings per share to $313.84 in 2026 [4] - The price of gold increased nearly 2% amid geopolitical turbulence, now trading at just over $4,400 per ounce [5] Group 3 - The US's control over Venezuela's oil wealth is seen as a significant geopolitical shift, giving the White House influence over oil-producing allies and adversaries [6]

Geopolitical crises abound, yet little of that risk is priced into stocks -- and that's worrisome for some https://t.co/isPtIhlhtT ...

Besides the geopolitical crises of the moment, the French and German leaders are meeting to fix a damaged relationship and fire up Europe’s motor https://t.co/wo1AoPhzgj ...