Venezuela Stocks Skyrocket 130% as Maduro's Ouster Fuels Optimism

Venezuela's stock market has surged to record highs following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, with the country's benchmark Indice Bursatil de Capitalizacion (IBC) gaining over 130% since January 3. The rally reflects optimism that Venezuela's economy could stabilize after years of mismanagement, sanctions, and defaults, with expectations growing that a reconfigured government may attract capital, revive oil output, and normalize relations with the United States. Investors are betting on a potential debt restructuring, which could unlock value frozen since Venezuela's 2017 default. The country's sovereign and state oil company bonds have also gained significantly. However, strategists caution that Venezuela's stock exchange is small, illiquid and not easily accessible to global investors, making price swings extreme. The IBC soared 1,644% in 2025, underscoring the volatility.