Futures linked to major U.S. equity benchmarks traded mostly higher ahead of the first full trading week of the new year. Oil prices slipped after U.S. forces captured the leader of oil-rich Venezuela, while shares of major U.S. energy companies such as Chevron (NYSE:CVX) and ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) advanced in after-hours trading. The U.S. dollar also firmed as markets weighed the global implications of the U.S. operation. Separately, reports showed U.S. auto sales rose in 2025 despite pressures from tariffs, supply-chain disruptions and the expiration of tax incentives.

Futures mostly higher

U.S. stock futures pointed broadly upward on Monday as investors assessed geopolitical developments in Venezuela alongside a busy economic calendar.

By 02:46 ET, Dow futures were largely unchanged, S&P 500 futures were up 6 points, or 0.1%, and Nasdaq 100 futures gained 75 points, or 0.3%.

On Friday, both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average posted modest gains in the first session of 2026, supported by strength in semiconductor stocks such as Nvidia and Intel. The move ended four-day losing streaks for both indices.

Market participants are now watching whether U.S. equities can extend their multi-year rally, after all three major Wall Street indices recorded double-digit gains in 2025. That marked a third consecutive year of advances for the S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq Composite, matching the run seen from 2019 to 2021.

Oil slides after U.S. captures Venezuela’s Maduro

Crude prices moved lower on Monday after the surprise U.S. operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro raised expectations of increased supply from the major 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 fell 0.9% to $56.82.

Maduro was detained in a weekend operation and is expected to face drug-trafficking charges in New York. President Donald Trump said the United States would temporarily administer Venezuela until a new leader is elected, adding that major U.S. oil companies would be allowed to operate in the country.

Shares of Chevron, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) all jumped in extended trading.

Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, but output has been constrained by aging infrastructure and strict U.S. sanctions.

In a note, ING’s head of commodities strategy Warren Patterson said comments from Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez suggesting cooperation with the United States point to the possibility of a “smooth transition.”

Such an outcome could increase the chances of U.S. restrictions on sanctioned oil tankers being lifted, putting short-term downward pressure on prices, Patterson said. By contrast, a “messier transition” could place roughly 900,000 barrels per day of supply at risk, although any upside impact would likely be limited in an already “well-supplied” market.

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 potential U.S.-backed regime change, an uncertainty that has boosted demand for “the liquidity of the dollar,” the analysts said.

Trump has also raised the possibility of further military action if Venezuela’s interim administration does not cooperate, while also warning of potential moves against Colombia and reiterating 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 lingering caution after the U.S. offensive in Venezuela.

Attention this week is also focused on key economic releases, particularly U.S. nonfarm payrolls data for December.

Bitcoin was up 1.1% at $92,264.5 by 01:33 ET. The cryptocurrency benefited from optimism around artificial intelligence and rising tech shares, which it often follows. Broader crypto markets also moved higher.

U.S. auto sales tick up in 2025

New vehicle sales in the United States rose by about 2% in 2025, despite headwinds from the end of electric-vehicle tax credits, shifting tariff policies and supply-chain challenges.

Analyst estimates cited by Reuters showed roughly 16 million vehicles were sold last year, driven mainly by combustion-engine trucks, SUVs and hybrid models.

While some automakers raised prices on vehicles produced outside the U.S., tariffs had little impact on overall pricing, 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 ongoing economic uncertainty and additional tariff-related costs could weigh on auto demand in 2026.

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