After intense geopolitical tension helped drive precious metals to record heights in 2025, the new year is seeing further cracks in the world order, which could drive more investors to the safety of gold.
U.S. forces swept into Caracas in the early hours of January 3, forcibly removing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and bringing him to New York to stand trial on charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy. U.S. President Donald Trump declared the U.S. will “run” Venezuela. Days later, the U.S. seized sanctioned oil tankers, one registered under a Russian flag, as part of its energy quarantine of Venezuela.
Meanwhile, the White House repeated its assertion that the U.S. intends to acquire Greenland—a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark—calling it a “national security priority.” The Danish prime minister is warning that any attack on Greenland will lead to the end of NATO.
World leaders were in an uproar over Washington’s actions, some expressing deep concern that the U.S. is setting a precedent that will make it easier for Russia to expand its borders—as its war with Ukraine continues—and for China to acquire Taiwan.
At the same time, as Iranians rose in protest against their government, complaining of hyperinflation and a failing economy, President Trump warned the Iranian leadership that “We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” if Iran kills peaceful demonstrators.
Anyone who thought the world might rest easy after a tumultuous 2025 was surely mistaken. The early days of 2026 tell us that geopolitical upheaval is a constant risk, as much now as ever. This is a loud and clear message for investors to hold safe haven assets—and no asset is safer than physical gold.
