Wall Street responded positively Monday to weekend U.S. strikes on Venezuela. Focus could stay on developments there and in oil today before jobs data start rolling in tomorrow.

The recent military action in Venezuela is top of mind as 2026 begins.

Stocks are tacking on some additional gains as investors await several labor market data points later this week.

With jobs data ahead starting Wednesday but no major earnings or numbers today, focus could continue to be on the situation in Venezuela. The "Santa Claus" rally failed to show up.

Crude oil futures (/CLG26) saw whipsawed trading action in the Sunday and Monday sessions undecided on direction as news surrounding Venezuela’s oil economy was digested by investors.

The capture of Venezuelan President Maduro has been digested well by global markets, which is in keeping with 2025’s theme of massive volatility and solid index-level returns.

Ahead of Friday's jobs report, investors might focus on the U.S. action against Venezuela and a tech industry meeting featuring Nvidia's CEO. Manufacturing data are due today, but earnings are sparse.

Stocks are mostly higher to start the New Year, yet remain on track for weekly losses as investors search for areas in the market to put fresh capital to work.

The S&P 500 index is down three straight days but up 17% for the year. Jobless claims are the only data on tap but today is a full trading session before tomorrow's holiday.