Archive

2026-07-23 11:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective TSM NVDA AVGO

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) announced a $100 billion increase in its U.S. investment, signaling confidence in the AI semiconductor build-out and demonstrating the company's ability to expand manufacturing supply to meet growing demand from AI chip customers like Nvidia and Broadcom.

Axe note: TSMC’s $100 billion U.S. expansion signals strong AI chip demand, with mixed local implications.

2026-07-23 11:06 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective CRWD META

CrowdStrike completed a 4-for-1 stock split in July 2026, driven by strong AI-powered cybersecurity performance and high customer retention. The article suggests Meta Platforms, the only Magnificent Seven member without a stock split, is the next logical candidate for a split given its rising share price, strong operational trajectory powered by AI integration, and potential benefits for retail investor accessibility and Dow Jones inclusion.

Axe note: Meta’s impressive AI-driven growth sets it up as a prime candidate for a stock split, following CrowdStrike’s recent move.

2026-07-23 09:26 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Bearish IONQ IONQ.WS GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN IBM AMZN RGTI RGTIW QBTS

IonQ's trapped-ion quantum computing technology offers competitive advantages, but the company faces significant challenges as a cash-burning startup competing against tech giants and other quantum computing firms. With $272 million in operating losses, dependence on outside capital, and 15% share dilution in the past year, history suggests IonQ should be treated as a speculative investment rather than a no-brainer buy.

Axe note: IonQ’s quantum tech is exciting but heavy losses and dilution make it a speculative bet, especially for rand investors.

2026-07-23 09:26 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective VOO SPY

Despite the S&P 500 trading at 20.4x expected earnings (above its 30-year average of 17.2x), history suggests investors should invest lump sums rather than wait for lower prices. A 2023 Vanguard study found that lump-sum investing outperformed dollar-cost averaging 68% of the time. The market experiences average intra-year drops of 14.2% but still produced positive annual returns in 35 of 46 years (1980-2026). Attempting to time the market often results in missing the best trading days and buying high/selling low.

Axe note: Despite elevated valuations, history shows lump-sum investing in the S&P 500 outperforms waiting for a market dip.

2026-07-23 09:20 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective SKHY MU

SK Hynix, the market leader in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) with 58% market share, could see a $5,000 investment grow to $10,000+ over five years due to strong AI and data center demand. However, risks include capacity overexpansion by competitors, potential memory price declines, and cyclical industry downturns that could limit upside.

Axe note: South African investors eyeing semiconductors should watch USD/ZAR while weighing risks in tech memory giants like SK Hynix.

2026-07-23 09:06 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective NVDA GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN MSFT

Citadel founder Ken Griffin called AI a 'hype' bubble, stating that $500 billion in AI investments are being driven by exaggeration rather than proven value. While acknowledging that broad technology spending benefits the economy, Griffin warned that AI optimization remains years away, similar to past tech bubbles like the dot-com era. He suggests the AI revolution will take much longer to mature than Wall Street currently expects.

Axe note: Ken Griffin warns the AI boom risks overvaluation and a long wait for true returns.

2026-07-23 08:15 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Selective SPCX

SpaceX stock has declined 25.5% since its June 12 IPO, closing below $120 on July 20 due to cooling IPO hype, lockup period concerns, and a Starship launch delay. Despite current challenges and the company's unprofitability, analysts remain bullish with a median price target of $225 per share, representing an 87% potential return over the next year.

Axe note: SpaceX’s stock stumbled after its hot debut, but strong AI infrastructure prospects keep optimism alive.

2026-07-23 08:02 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective NVDA

Nvidia is positioned as a once-in-a-decade growth opportunity for investors as it expands beyond its dominant GPU market into the $200 billion CPU market. The company is launching its first stand-alone CPU this fall and projects $20 billion in CPU sales this year, with plans to dominate both GPU and CPU markets as agentic AI becomes the next growth phase.

Axe note: Nvidia’s move into CPUs alongside GPUs signals big growth, but South Africans should watch the rand and local tech exposure closely.

2026-07-23 07:22 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective DOCN AMZN MSFT NVDA AMD

DigitalOcean has experienced explosive growth driven by AI demand, with its stock surging 360% over 12 months. The company is building AI data centers and reported a tenfold increase in remaining performance obligations to $800 million. While trading at a premium valuation (P/S ratio of 15.4), its forward P/S ratio of 8.1 based on 2027 guidance suggests potential value. The Aug. 4 earnings report could be pivotal, with management expected to raise 2027 revenue growth guidance above the previously stated 50%.

Axe note: DigitalOcean’s rapid AI-driven growth is impressive, but prudent investors should await clearer signals from the upcoming earnings.

2026-07-23 07:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective AMZN META AVGO ADBE COST WMT

The article recommends buying Amazon and Meta stocks ahead of their earnings reports on July 29-30. Amazon is expected to show accelerating AWS cloud revenue growth driven by AI infrastructure investments and strong e-commerce profitability from robotics and AI efficiency gains. Meta is shifting its AI narrative positively with cloud computing partnerships, custom chips, and improved ad performance, trading at attractive valuations compared to peers.

Axe note: Amazon and Meta show promising AI-led growth before July 29 earnings, but South African investors need to weigh the dollar’s strength.

2026-07-23 07:12 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective IT

Gartner's stock plummeted nearly 49% in the first half of 2026 as investors worry that AI models are cannibalizing demand for the company's analysis and advisory services. Despite beating earnings estimates, the company reported anemic growth metrics, with global contract value rising less than 1% year-over-year and full-year revenue guidance falling below analyst consensus. The divestiture of its digital market division at a discounted price further spooked investors, and Q1 2026 results showed revenue declining 1.5% despite modest contract value growth.

Axe note: Gartner’s sharp decline warns of AI undercutting legacy advisory business, a cautionary tale for SA’s own research-dependent stocks.

2026-07-23 07:05 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective LEGH SKY SUI ELS

With the U.S. facing a significant housing shortage and affordability crisis, manufactured housing is emerging as a key solution. The recently passed ROAD to Housing Act removes regulatory barriers for manufactured homes, which cost around $120,000 compared to median home prices of $440,600. The global manufactured housing market, valued at $36 billion in 2025, is expected to reach $50 billion by 2034, presenting investment opportunities in manufacturers and REITs.

Axe note: Manufactured homes are gaining ground in the US, but South African investors should watch closely before jumping in.

2026-07-23 07:02 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective ANET MSFT META

Arista Networks stock surged 29.6% in the first half of 2026, outpacing the S&P 500's 10% gain. The company delivered strong quarterly results with record revenues and accelerating growth driven by AI adoption. Management raised full-year guidance twice in consecutive quarters, projecting 28% revenue growth to $11.5 billion. With 97% analyst buy ratings and expectations to add major new customers, the company is positioned for continued growth.

Axe note: Arista’s sharp 30% rally on AI-driven growth signals tech strength, but South African investors should tread carefully.

2026-07-23 05:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective EP EPPC KMI

Kinder Morgan reported strong Q2 earnings with adjusted EPS growing 32%, driven by increased natural gas demand from LNG exports, power generation, and emerging AI data center demand. The company expects to exceed its 2026 earnings guidance by 12% and has a $9.6 billion backlog of expansion projects plus $10 billion in additional opportunities under development. With 9 consecutive years of dividend increases and robust growth catalysts, the stock offers both high yield (3.7%) and growth potential.

Axe note: Kinder Morgan's dividend yield and strong growth are backed by booming gas demand tied to LNG exports and AI data centers.

2026-07-23 05:05 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective KO STZ

The article recommends Coca-Cola and Constellation Brands as top dividend stocks for long-term investors. Coca-Cola offers a 2.5% dividend yield with 64 consecutive years of dividend increases, supported by strong global distribution and AI-driven efficiency improvements. Constellation Brands provides a higher 3.1% yield with 12% annualized dividend growth over the past decade, benefiting from growing beer and wine sales and effective cost management.

Axe note: Coca-Cola and Constellation Brands offer steady income and growth, but where’s the local angle?

2026-07-23 04:30 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective SPCX AAPL MSFT NVDA

SpaceX's June IPO prompted Nasdaq-100 and Russell 1000 to change their inclusion rules, forcing index funds to rapidly buy the stock by trimming positions in giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. This concentrated forced buying in a short window turns passive strategies into active bets on a single high-profile listing, with long-term portfolio impacts still uncertain.

Axe note: SpaceX’s entry into major US indexes has forced index funds to rapidly shift holdings, a move that indirectly affects USD/ZAR and local investor sentiment.

2026-07-23 02:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective CVX

President Trump's announcement of a renewed blockade on Iran's ports caused oil prices to surge and the broader stock market to fall. The article discusses how geopolitical conflicts create volatility in energy markets and recommends large, diversified energy companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron as stable investments for most investors due to their strong financials, dividend track records, and ability to weather commodity price swings.

Axe note: Rising oil prices from Middle East tensions push local energy costs and rand volatility higher.

2026-07-23 02:05 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective OTLY

Oatly Group's stock surged 19.12% after the Swedish oat milk maker reported Q2 revenue growth of 15.2% to $240 million, driven by strong European and international performance. The company raised its full-year revenue growth guidance to 8%-10% from 3%-5%, while improving gross margins to 33.9% and narrowing net losses. Management highlighted expanding market share, new product formats appealing to younger consumers, and ongoing cost optimization efforts.

Axe note: Oatly’s share jump reflects solid growth abroad, but local plays require a cautious eye.

2026-07-23 01:30 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective SPCX AMZN MS MSPA MSPE MSPF MSPI MSPK MSPL MSPO MSPP MSPQ

SpaceX stock has fallen nearly 50% from its peak since IPO, trading below its $135 offering price. While Wall Street analysts issued bullish price targets averaging $278, Morgan Stanley forecasts no positive free cash flow until 2035 and estimates the company will need approximately $84 billion annually ($672 billion total) in external capital through 2034. The analysis suggests SpaceX's current $1.5 trillion valuation is difficult to justify given the decade-long cash burn projection, and the stock may continue declining as investors realize the company's ambitious goals remain decades away from profitability.

Axe note: Morgan Stanley’s sobering forecast questions the frenzy around SpaceX’s IPO and its $1.5 trillion valuation.

2026-07-23 01:14 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective AAPL

Apple is set to launch a device-leasing program called Apple Upgrade with Klarna on July 28, featuring 24-month leases for iPhones and Apple Watches, and 36-month leases for Macs and iPads. The program aims to accelerate upgrade cycles and smooth demand fluctuations, potentially boosting iPhone revenue which hit a record $57 billion in the most recent quarter. Klarna will handle financing while Apple maintains the customer relationship and upgrade cadence.

Axe note: Apple's new leasing program with Klarna could boost its revenue predictability and impact USD/ZAR flows.