By David Wainer

Investors in Latin America are betting that the U.S. operation to oust Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro won't derail the region's strong recent performance.

Despite the Trump administration's saber-rattling in the Western Hemisphere, the region's largest stocks mostly rose, tracking gains in U.S. markets. The S&P Latin America 40 index-home to blue-chip companies such as Brazil's Banco Bradesco and Mexico's Grupo México-was trading more than 2% higher Monday afternoon. The rally builds on a strong run: the iShares MSCI Brazil ETF, for instance, is up more than 40% over the past year.

Currencies across the region were also mostly stronger against the dollar after slipping earlier in the session.

Investors appear to be betting that a ratcheting up of Trump's rhetoric-ranging from threats against Colombia and criticism of Mexico's leadership to predictions of Cuba's government falling-will either blow over or remain confined to specific flashpoints. Regardless, the message from markets is not to panic.

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 05, 2026 14:40 ET (19:40 GMT)

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