Moderna Is Up 109% in 2026. Jim Cramer Just Called It 'Finally Investable Again.' Is the Stock a No-Brainer Buy on Its Recent Pullback?
2026-07-20 22:10
•Adria Cimino •The Motley Fool
•• • Axe Capital view
Moderna’s Surge: What It Means for South African Investors
Moderna’s 109% jump in 2026 reflects biotech’s promise, but local investors should weigh currency and market fit.
Moderna’s rally this year shows the power of pivoting from a single vaccine to a broader pipeline. Cutting costs by 26% and adding products beyond COVID-19, like oncology and flu vaccines, has transformed Modrna's profile. Still, the 24% pullback from its peak signals some profit-taking or lingering uncertainty around new drug approvals. For JSE investors, there’s no direct way to buy Moderna without currency risk—USD/ZAR moves matter here. A weaker rand could amplify losses even if Moderna does well in dollar terms. On the flip side, a softer rand might help exporters like Aspen, which is also in pharmaceuticals. If you want exposure to biotech growth, stick to ASX or Aspen, not the volatile USD/ZAR in isolation. Watch Moderna’s trial results carefully; a setback could drag on both the USD and risk appetite locally. This trade isn’t a no-brainer yet, so patience pays. this is just my opinion and not financial advice
Avoid buying Moderna via USD/ZAR currency exposure for now. Instead, watch Aspen closely for local biotech gains, and keep an eye on rand strength before increasing risk.
- USD/ZAR
- Aspen Pharmacare
- Moderna’s late-stage trial failures
- Volatility in USD/ZAR impacting returns
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Moderna stock has surged 109% in 2026 as the biotech company successfully transitions from a coronavirus vaccine player to a multi-product company. With cost reductions of 26%, three approved products, and promising late-stage candidates in oncology and rare diseases, analysts view it as increasingly investable. Though the stock has pulled back 24% from its July peak, it remains a buy for long-term investors, though cautious investors may wait for further progress on pipeline candidates.
This article was originally published by The Motley Fool and has been adapted here for Axe Capital Trading News.
Publisher: The Motley Fool
Author: Adria Cimino
Categories: Healthcare, Equities
Tickers: MRNA
Sentiment: Positive - Stock has gained 109% in 2026 with successful transition to multi-product company, 26% reduction in adjusted cash costs, multiple approved products, and promising late-stage candidates in oncology and rare diseases. Jim Cramer called it 'finally investable again,' indicating improved investor confidence despite recent 24% pullback from peak.
Keywords: Moderna, biotech, vaccine, mRNA technology, pipeline candidates, oncology, RSV vaccine, flu vaccine
Insights:
- MRNA: Positive: Stock has gained 109% in 2026 with successful transition to multi-product company, 26% reduction in adjusted cash costs, multiple approved products, and promising late-stage candidates in oncology and rare diseases. Jim Cramer called it 'finally investable again,' indicating improved investor confidence despite recent 24% pullback from peak.