Venezuela’s IBC Index, which tracks the performance of the Caracas Stock Exchange, has posted a significant jump throughout 2026.
The index rose from around 2,000 points at the start of the year to 4,458 points by Thursday’s trading, according to Trading Economics data.
The sharp rise came after the arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro on January 3 by US authorities.
The market reacted quickly, with the index jumping around 50 percent in two days as investors interpreted the development as a potential turning point in Venezuela’s economic and political direction.
Market sentiment showed investor confidence was recovering as political risks associated with the Maduro administration were seen to be diminishing. Interest in Venezuelan assets, including bonds and equities, has also increased, particularly in the oil, infrastructure and financial services sectors.
The post-Maduro environment is seen as potentially opening up Venezuela’s vast oil reserves to participation by international energy companies.
This development has the potential to attract new capital flows and support increased global supply, thus paving the way towards economic normalization after a long period of isolation and international sanctions.
