The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that just a week into the year and we are already digesting geopolitical events that were difficult to predict. The Globe's David Berman writes that we knew President Donald Trump had Nicolas Maduro in his sights, accusing him of shipping illegal drugs into the United States. Nonetheless, what occurred on Jan. 3 came as a surprise. On Monday, when markets opened, investors could see another aspect to this surprise. Precious metals seemed to benefit from the rising global uncertainty and what it might mean for Russia's war in Ukraine, or the tension between China and Taiwan. Gold, already a star performer in 2025, jumped 3 per cent on Monday. Silver, another stellar performer last year, gained more than 7 per cent. Oil prices rose by less than 2 per cent for West Texas Intermediate but reversed gains on Tuesday, highlighting market uncertainty. Investors are weighing Venezuela's vast oil reserves against the immediate political crisis and the potential for increased output amid a global oil glut. Citigroup believes that Venezuelan oil will continue to exit the global market, which is bullish, until a deal is reached between the U.S. and Venezuela's leadership.