Venezuela's stock market soars 50% in a day: What's happening?
What's the story
Venezuela's IBC Index, based in Caracas, witnessed a whopping 50% surge in a single trading session on Tuesday. The spike comes after the US launched an attack on the South American nation, resulting in the arrest of its long-time President Nicolas Maduro. The unprecedented jump also followed an earlier rise of 16% on Monday and another 7% on Friday after the New Year holiday.
Market reaction
Market's response to US action and Maduro's arrest
The IBC Index's response to the US action against Venezuela and the subsequent arrest of President Maduro has been nothing short of extraordinary. The index gained 22% on December 29, 2023, and another 7% on January 2, 2024. Excluding November 2025, the index rose every month last year, delivering a staggering 1,644% annual return.
Market history
Venezuela's stock market: A history of extraordinary returns
The Venezuelan stock market, which started trading in 2018, has a history of delivering astronomical returns. In 2019, the index soared an incredible 4,400%. It was followed by a still-impressive return of 1,380% in 2020. Since then, it has consistently delivered over 100% returns every year with the lowest being at least 106% in 2024.