Tech Stocks Surge Amid Venezuela Upheaval: TSMC Hits Record as Oil Markets Shrug Off Maduro Capture
January 5, 2026
Asian Tech Rally Ignites Global Markets
Asian markets soared on Monday, propelled by semiconductor leaders amid unwavering AI demand. Taiwan's TSMC rocketed over 5% to a record NT$1,650 after Goldman Sachs hiked its price target 35% to NT$2,330. Japan's Nikkei 225 climbed 3%, while South Korea's KOSPI hit records with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix gaining 3-6%.
Operation Absolute Resolve: Maduro Captured
U.S. forces executed "Operation Absolute Resolve" on January 3, using over 150 aircraft, Delta Force, and a replica safehouse for rehearsals to seize Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas without casualties. The raid neutralized Venezuelan air defenses via F-35s and F-22s, lasting under 30 minutes.
Oil Markets Remain Calm
Despite Venezuela's upheaval—producing under 1 million barrels daily—Brent fell to $60 and WTI to $57, down 0.4-0.5%, as analysts see limited supply risk. Goldman Sachs holds 2026 forecasts unchanged at $56 for Brent.
