European stocks opened higher on Monday as investors responded to the dramatic U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Traders across the continent monitored the geopolitical shock, lifting major indices in London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Milan.
The U.K.’s FTSE 100 rose 0.5%, France’s CAC 40 gained 0.5%, Germany’s DAX jumped nearly 0.6%, and Italy’s FTSE MIB climbed 0.7% in early trading. The broader STOXX Europe 600 index added 0.47%, signaling a generally positive market sentiment amid uncertainty in Latin America.
The U.S. conducted overnight strikes in Venezuela over the weekend, ultimately capturing Maduro and Flores and flying them to New York, where they were indicted on drug-trafficking charges. Former President Donald Trump stated the U.S. would “run” Venezuela temporarily to ensure a safe transition, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that Washington would focus on leverage and policy goals rather than direct governance.
Defense stocks led Europe’s gains, with Rheinmetall up 6.8%, Leonardo 6.2%, and Hensoldt AG 5.2%. The Stoxx Europe Aerospace & Defense Index rose over 2.5%, reflecting investor optimism in the sector. Other notable movers included Swiss industrial valve maker VAT Group (+8.7%) and U.K. chemical and battery technology firm Johnson Matthey (+7.6%).
Oil prices edged higher on Monday as markets considered how Maduro’s removal might affect Venezuelan oil shipments, even though the country produces less than 1 million barrels per day. Asian markets traded positively overnight, and U.S. futures remained steady, highlighting global attention on the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape.
source: cnbc