Mumbai, Jan. 5 -- Gold has started 2026 on a firm note, rising nearly 2% in the first five sessions, as markets absorb the geopolitical shock triggered by US military action in Venezuela.

The US military's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on charges ranging from drug smuggling to electoral subversion has injected fresh uncertainty into global markets, lifting gold prices while pushing oil marginally lower.

Since Venezuela holds the world's largest oil reserves-about 303 billion barrels-crude initially drew market attention. Oil prices, however, have remained muted amid weak demand and existing supply overhangs. Gold, by contrast, has reacted more strongly, with analysts saying the fresh uncertainty has added momentum to it...