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Protective Put: Possible hedging in times of geopolitical tensions using the example of Venezuela

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In times of geopolitical tensions, investors may look for strategies to better protect their capital. A current example is the tense political situation between the USA and Venezuela, which is likely to affect energy markets around the world in particular. To hedge against potential losses, investors could fall back on a tried and tested method: the „protective put“. This option strategy can be used to hedge existing shares or other long positions against falling prices.

Definition of a protective put

Under a „Protective Put“The term "long put" refers to the purchase of a put option (long put) to hedge an existing long position in the underlying. As a rule, this is used to hedge existing shares or other long positions against falling prices.

How Protective Put works

A long put is an option strategy that targets falling prices of the underlying asset.

Suppose an investor holds 100 shares in an oil company whose share price is currently quoted at USD 100. In order to hedge against falling prices, the investor also purchases a „protective put“ with a strike price of USD 100. This option gives him the right to sell the underlying shares at this price on the expiry date or during the term.

If the share price falls, the put option limits the potential loss of the existing position. If, on the other hand, the share price rises, the investor can benefit from the increase in value of the company, while the put option expires worthless. The profit is reduced by the option premium paid.

United States attacks Venezuela - USA wants to „take care of the country“

The United States attacked Venezuela on Friday night and took head of state Nicolás Maduro into custody. He and his wife are to be tried in New York. The attack is considered the most extensive operation in Latin America since 1989. „We will now take care of the country until we can ensure a safe, orderly and prudent transition,“ said US President Donald Trump at the press conference on Saturday afternoon. He also announced that US oil companies would be active in Venezuela to „start making money for the country“, according to reports. Trump said that US companies would invest „billions of dollars“ in Venezuela and rebuild the infrastructure to boost the oil business.

The country could be interesting not least because of its oil reserves, which are the largest in the world. Due to political instability and concerns about possible military conflicts, the oil price could fluctuate sharply, energy company shares could be affected and risk aversion on the global markets could increase.

WTI Futures

A monthly candlestick chart of WTI crude oil futures (ICEEUR) from 2018 to early 2026, showing price fluctuations between USD 20 and USD 120 and a downward trend after a peak in 2022.

Summary: Preserving opportunities, limiting risks

The „protective put“ can become increasingly important as a hedging strategy in particularly uncertain times, such as geopolitical crises. By buying a put option, the risk of price losses can be limited while at the same time preserving the opportunity to make profits.

Although the political tensions between the USA and Venezuela have only a limited direct impact on the global markets immediately after the outbreak of the conflict, they are likely to increase uncertainty and volatility, particularly in the energy sector.

In the long term, Venezuela could gain in importance with political stabilization and economic opening, but remains a significant risk factor due to structural problems. The sword of Damocles of renewed political escalation and economic setbacks is likely to hover over the markets in 2026.

Against this background, your own portfolio can be made more resistant to volatility, for example. However, the costs and timing of such hedging should be carefully considered. Strict risk and money management is essential in any case.

Timo Emden in a dark suit and tie poses in front of a plain gray background and looks neutrally into the camera.
Timo Emden

Timo Emden holds a B.A. in Business Administration, is a market analyst and a certified blockchain expert from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. He has been following the global financial markets for over 14 years, with a focus on crypto assets. His assessments are based on chart technology and sentiment - he nevertheless considers important fundamental events to be significant. As a market expert, Mr. Emden is a valued contact for TV, press and radio.

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Taxes: The tax treatment of financial instruments depends on the personal circumstances of the respective investor and may be subject to future changes, which may also have a retroactive effect.

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