Increase in the dollar intensifies economic uncertainty following elections in Venezuela.

The recent proclamation of Nicolás Maduro as the winner of the presidential elections by the National Electoral Council (CNE) has intensified economic uncertainty in Venezuela. Following this announcement, the value of the dollar in the country has shown a notable increase, reflecting investors' concerns about the political and economic stability of the nation. This phenomenon has translated into a rise in the exchange rate, which closed the session on August 17 at $4,059.9, surpassing the Representative Market Rate, which was at $4,014.5. The dollar has reached maximum levels of $4,081.99 and a minimum of $4,027.1, highlighting the volatility of the foreign exchange market in the current context. Analysts point out that the situation could become more complicated, especially considering the political and economic implications of this electoral victory. A total of 2,508 transactions were recorded on that day, accumulating a volume of US$1.247 billion, indicating significant dynamism in the market, despite the prevailing uncertainty. Juan Pablo Vieira, CEO of JP Tactical Trading, has expressed concern over the risk perception generated by the current political situation. According to Vieira, investors are on high alert, closely watching how events unfold in the country. Venezuela's relationship with allied governments could influence future decisions, especially regarding the constituent assembly and possible changes in economic policies. This situation has led analysts to consider that the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Venezuela's economic direction and its long-term stability. On the other hand, the parallel currency market has also been an important thermometer for measuring the state of the economy. Platforms like DolarToday and Monitor Dólar are frequently consulted by those wanting to know the dollar rate in a context not regulated by the government. These portals reflect the supply and demand for bolívars in various cities across the country, providing a broader view of the dollar's value away from official rates. In this sense, the monetary policy decisions of other countries, such as the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom, also impact the dynamics of the Venezuelan foreign exchange market. Bloomberg has highlighted that these decisions will be a focal point for investors seeking clues about the evolution of short-term interest rates. This, in turn, could significantly impact investors' ability to operate in a high-volatility and high-risk environment. The uncertainty surrounding the Venezuelan economy extends beyond the exchange rate. Many citizens face difficulties in planning for the future in an environment where inflation and the scarcity of basic goods remain constant. The economic situation has led an increasing number of Venezuelans to seek alternatives abroad, posing additional challenges to the social and economic stability of the country. Meanwhile, expert and analyst opinions on the future of the Venezuelan economy remain varied. Some suggest that the situation could stabilize if significant political agreements are reached, while others are more pessimistic and warn of a possible deterioration in the population's quality of life. In this context, the role of international organizations and the international community is crucial in providing a means of support and cooperation. As winter approaches, questions also arise about how this season will affect the already fragile economy of the country. With the forecast of a colder-than-usual winter, challenges for energy and heating supply could exacerbate existing economic problems. The combination of climatic factors and political uncertainty could create a complicated scenario for the Venezuelan population. It is evident that the Venezuelan economy is at a critical moment, where political decisions, exchange rate fluctuations, and international market conditions converge to form an uncertain landscape. Analysts' and citizens' attention remains firmly focused on the coming weeks, which are shaping up to be a decisive period for the country's economic and political future. The perseverance of the population in the face of these adversities will be a key indicator of the country's ability to overcome the crisis it faces.