US-Venezuela Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared before a Manhattan federal court on January 5. The duo pleaded not guilty to charges of narcoterrorism. Maduro’s next hearing is scheduled for March 17. On the other hand the UN Security Council held an emergency session to discuss the legality of "Operation Absolute Resolve." Russia and China have officially called for Maduro's release. Meanwhile Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as acting president in Venezuela. Amid the conflict, D-Street may see a slight risk-off sentiment with investors seeking safe-haven assets amid mounting trade uncertainty. Conversely several sector specific stocks are also likely to be in focus today these include stocks of paint and tire makers and upstream oil companies.