Clear market notes built around the JSE, the rand, and what matters locally.

2026-07-25 22:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The Schwab U.S. REIT ETF (SCHH) offers a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.07% and broader diversification with 121 holdings, making it ideal for cost-conscious investors. The State Street SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF (RWR) has delivered superior recent performance with a 22.20% one-year return and higher 3.20% dividend yield, appealing to income-focused investors. Both funds provide 100% exposure to U.S. REITs with similar top holdings.

Axe note: Deciding between SCHH’s low cost and RWR’s income focus depends on your priorities amid a volatile rand.

2026-07-25 22:15 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective

Figma demonstrates superior and consistent revenue growth with eight consecutive quarters of quarter-over-quarter increases, reaching $333.4 million in Q1 2026 with 46% year-over-year growth. In contrast, IBM experiences volatile revenue fluctuations tied to its hardware and consulting business, missing Q2 2026 revenue expectations and seeing its Z Systems mainframe sales decline 42% year-over-year, sending shares to a 52-week low.

Axe note: Figma’s steady revenue growth contrasts with IBM’s volatility, offering lessons on growth sustainability relevant to JSE investors.

2026-07-25 22:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Elon Musk is building off-grid natural gas power plants to supply energy for his massive AI data centers (Colossus I and II in Tennessee), bypassing grid connection issues and electricity price concerns. This shift toward natural gas as a reliable power source for AI infrastructure is expected to increase demand for natural gas, benefiting midstream energy companies that transport and manage natural gas infrastructure.

Axe note: Elon Musk’s bet on natural gas to power AI data centers abroad offers a quiet signal for energy investors here.