Futures tied to the main U.S. equity indices were mostly in positive territory ahead of the first full trading week of the new year. Crude prices moved lower following the U.S. capture of the leader of major oil producer Venezuela, while shares of large U.S. energy groups such as Chevron (NYSE:CVX) and ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) advanced in extended trading. The U.S. dollar also strengthened as analysts assessed the potential global consequences of the American incursion. Elsewhere, reports indicated that U.S. car sales rose in 2025, despite headwinds from tariffs, supply-chain disruptions and the expiry of tax incentives.
Futures mostly higher
U.S. stock futures pointed broadly upward on Monday as investors weighed developments in Venezuela alongside a busy slate of upcoming economic data.
By 02:46 ET, Dow futures were little changed, while S&P 500 futures were up six points, or 0.1%, and Nasdaq 100 futures had added 75 points, or 0.3%.
Both the benchmark S&P 500 and the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average closed Friday with modest gains, as the first session of 2026 was marked by strong performances from semiconductor heavyweights Nvidia and Intel. The advances snapped four consecutive losing sessions for both indices.
Market participants are now watching to see whether U.S. equities can extend their run of annual gains, after all three major Wall Street indices posted double-digit increases in 2025. It marked a third straight year of gains for the S&P 500, Dow and tech-focused Nasdaq Composite, matching the streak recorded between 2019 and 2021.
Oil slips after U.S. captures Venezuela’s Maduro
Oil prices fell on Monday after the dramatic U.S. operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro raised expectations of increased supply from the Latin American producer.
By 03:08 ET, Brent crude futures for March were down 0.8% at $60.27 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate futures slipped 0.9% to $56.82 a barrel.
U.S. forces detained Maduro in a weekend strike, and the Venezuelan leader is now expected to face drug-trafficking charges in New York. U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would administer Venezuela until a new leader is chosen, adding that the operation would allow major U.S. oil companies to enter the country.
Shares of energy groups Chevron, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) all surged in extended-hours trading.
Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, but production has been hampered by aging infrastructure and tough U.S. sanctions.
In a research note, Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at ING, said comments from Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez calling for cooperation with the United States suggest that a “smooth transition” could follow the recent upheaval.
Such a scenario would raise the chances of the U.S. lifting restrictions on sanctioned oil tankers moving in and out of Venezuela, potentially placing short-term downward pressure on prices, Patterson argued.
By contrast, a “messier transition” could put around 900,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan supply at risk, he said. While that could introduce some upside risk, any price impact would likely be limited in what remains a “well-supplied” market, Patterson added.
Dollar catches a bid
The U.S. dollar strengthened alongside gold and the Swiss franc, with ING analysts pointing to “a modest flight to quality” following the weekend’s events in Venezuela.
Debate is intensifying over the implications of a possible U.S.-backed regime change in the country, a source of uncertainty that has increased the appeal of “the liquidity of the dollar,” the analysts said.
Trump has also raised the prospect of a second military strike if Venezuela’s interim administration fails to cooperate with Washington. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he further warned of potential action against Colombia over its role in the drug trade and said Cuba was ready to fall. He also reiterated his view that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary for national security.
Bitcoin advances
Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) edged higher, tracking gains in technology stocks, although advances were capped by caution in the wake of the U.S. action in Venezuela.
Attention this week is also on several key economic releases, most notably U.S. nonfarm payrolls data for December.
The cryptocurrency was up 1.1% at $92,264.5 by 01:33 ET. Bitcoin benefited from the rally in tech shares, which it often follows, as optimism around artificial intelligence supported the sector. Broader crypto prices also moved higher in tandem.
U.S. auto sales tick up in 2025
New vehicle sales in the United States rose by roughly 2% in 2025, despite challenges stemming from the expiration of electric-vehicle tax credits, shifting tariff policies and supply-chain issues.
Based on analyst estimates cited by Reuters, about 16 million vehicles were sold during the year, driven mainly by combustion-engine trucks, SUVs and hybrid models.
While some automakers raised prices on vehicles produced outside the U.S., tariffs did not significantly lift overall car prices, Reuters reported. Average retail transaction prices for new vehicles in December were expected to rise just 1.5% year on year to $47,104.
Analysts cautioned, however, that lingering economic uncertainty and additional costs linked to U.S. tariffs could weigh on auto demand in 2026.