South African Investor

In the early hours of January 4, 2026, the world woke up to a seismic shift in global politics. Operation Absolute Resolve, a bold US military action, culminated in the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power. Markets reacted instantly. Social media lit up. And almost on cue, the same claim flooded X and trading desks everywhere (particularly from Americans): “Venezuela is back. Oil is about to flood the market. Canadian oil can be replaced.” That’s where the story goes off the rails.