Gold Steadies, Traders Eye US Data Over Venezuela Tensions

• Gold prices stabilized near $4,450 an ounce, with traders shifting focus from Venezuela's political uncertainty to upcoming US economic data.
• Bullion had surged 2.7% previously after Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro's capture, amidst US President Donald Trump's comments on "running" the country.
• Key US economic data, including the December jobs report, is anticipated this week, influencing Federal Reserve's future actions.
• Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari indicated interest rates might be near a neutral level, awaiting data guidance.
• Gold recorded its best annual performance since 1979, supported by central-bank buying, ETF inflows, and three Fed rate cuts.

Why It Matters: Gold holds steady, US economic data now drives market focus over Venezuela risks.