Archive

2026-07-15 14:15 • Investing.com Positive Axe Cap view: Selective AMD NVDA

AMD's partnership with 5C to collaborate on next-gen data center construction strengthens its position as a viable direct competitor to NVIDIA. The deal transforms AMD from a hardware vendor into a full-stack operator capable of delivering hyperscale data centers with advanced cooling systems on a turnkey basis. Analysts view this positively, with 44 analysts covering AMD and a consensus price target trending toward $700 (25% upside). Key risks remain valuation at 75x current-year outlook and execution, though forecasts suggest double-digit hypergrowth and potential $200 billion revenue within the next decade.

Axe note: AMD’s move into full-stack data center solutions ramps up the rivalry with Nvidia, but South African investors should watch USD/ZAR and select tech stocks cautiously.

2026-07-15 13:35 • Investing.com Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective ASML IBM MS MSPA MSPE MSPF MSPI MSPK MSPL MSPO MSPP MSPQ JNJ BLK DIVB

U.S. stocks extended gains following cooler-than-expected producer price inflation data, with PPI falling 0.3% monthly and 5.5% year-over-year. The Nasdaq futures rose 0.68% as markets scaled back Fed rate hike expectations. However, rising oil prices due to U.S.-Iran tensions pose inflation risks. Key movers included ASML gaining 3% on strong earnings, IBM tumbling 25% on profit warnings, Morgan Stanley up 1.5% on record results, and BlackRock rising 4% on better-than-expected earnings.

Axe note: Cooler US inflation data fuels optimism but rising oil prices threaten to unsettle the rand.

2026-07-15 13:31 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective V SOFI

Solana has risen 148% over the past five years despite trading 71% below its peak, with a $43 billion market cap. While the blockchain offers fast throughput (3,142 TPS) and low costs, it has suffered from network outages. The article emphasizes that predicting Solana's future price is impossible due to extreme volatility driven by speculation, macroeconomic factors, and technical developments. Long-term success depends on real-world adoption, particularly in payments and stablecoins, with companies like Visa and SoFi already building on the network.

Axe note: Solana's rapid rise and network issues make it a fascinating but risky crypto play, with adoption by Visa and SoFi a positive sign.

2026-07-15 13:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective GEV PPL PPLC

GE Vernova and PPL represent two distinct approaches to capitalizing on the AI power boom and clean energy transition. GE Vernova is a technology powerhouse supplying turbines and electrical equipment with strong growth metrics, while PPL is a regulated utility offering steady dividend income. The article recommends GE Vernova for growth-focused investors seeking exposure to AI infrastructure, while PPL suits income-focused investors seeking predictable returns.

Axe note: GE Vernova offers growth through AI infrastructure demand, while PPL delivers steady dividends in regulated utilities.

2026-07-15 13:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective PG KO COST TJX

With the S&P 500 facing valuation concerns and macroeconomic headwinds, the article advises investors not to sell during a market crash. Historical data shows that staying invested and holding through downturns leads to significant long-term gains. The article recommends building a defensive portfolio with dividend and stable stocks, and keeping cash reserves to buy at lower prices.

Axe note: History says riding out market drops pays off; selling during crashes locks in losses.

2026-07-15 12:35 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective IBM MU SNDK

IBM released preliminary Q2 results showing revenue of $17.2B (up 1% YoY) and adjusted EPS of $2.93, both below expectations. The company revealed that AI spenders are shifting budgets away from software toward servers, storage, and memory due to supply constraints and rising prices. IBM's stock plunged 25% in a single day—its worst day in company history. Meanwhile, memory and storage companies like SK Hynix, Micron, and SanDisk are thriving as demand for data center infrastructure surges.

Axe note: AI spending is moving away from software to hardware, and South Africa’s rand and tech sector should take note.

2026-07-15 12:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective AXP MCO

American Express increased its Platinum card annual fee from $695 to $895, a 29% hike and the first increase since 2021. The fee increase is expected to meaningfully boost card-fee revenue, which already accounts for over 14% of total revenue. Despite the price increase, retention rates remained stable near 100%, and the company's subscription-based fee model provides recurring, reliable income independent of spending patterns.

Axe note: A 29% annual fee increase on Amex’s Platinum card highlights the strength of its subscription revenue model.

2026-07-15 12:10 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Neutral HTFL

HeartFlow CEO John Farquhar sold 22,562 shares worth ~$626,100 on July 10, 2026, as part of a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan established in September 2025. The sale represents only a 5% reduction in his direct holdings, and he retains 435,373 shares valued at $11.63 million, indicating aligned interests with shareholders. The transaction is not considered a red flag given its non-discretionary nature and the company's strong Q1 performance with 41% year-over-year revenue growth.

Axe note: The CEO’s recent share sale follows a pre-set plan and leaves his majority stake intact, suggesting confidence in HeartFlow’s growth.

2026-07-15 12:08 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Bullish VTI VOO NVDA GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN

For young investors starting out, the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is recommended as a simple, low-cost core portfolio holding. It invests in approximately 3,500 U.S. stocks across all market caps, providing better diversification than the S&P 500 ETF which focuses only on large-cap stocks. With small-cap earnings expected to outpace large caps in 2027 and historically outperforming over time, VTI offers enhanced long-term return potential with a minimal 0.03% expense ratio.

Axe note: For South Africans starting out, Vanguard's Total Stock Market ETF offers broad exposure to US equities at minimal cost.

2026-07-15 11:35 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective NVDA META GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN AMZN

Nvidia and Meta Platforms are recommended as top growth stocks for 2026. Nvidia, the leading AI hardware supplier, shows strong revenue growth of 85% YoY with expanding product lines and a forward P/E of 23 that appears undervalued relative to its 45% expected earnings growth. Meta's 33% YoY revenue growth, driven by AI-powered advertising improvements and a massive 3.5 billion daily user base, positions it for continued monetization despite heavy capital spending.

Axe note: Nvidia and Meta stand out globally, with clear potential links for South African investors through USD/ZAR dynamics and tech exposure.

2026-07-15 11:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective VRT PWR NVDA

As AI spending by U.S. hyperscalers is projected to reach $1 trillion in 2027, industrial companies supporting data center infrastructure are positioned for significant growth. Vertiv Holdings and Quanta Services are highlighted as key beneficiaries, with Vertiv providing thermal management and power systems for AI chips, while Quanta builds transmission infrastructure to support power-hungry data centers.

Axe note: AI-driven industrial spending is soaring globally, but South Africans should watch how USD/ZAR moves as infrastructure firms benefit abroad.

2026-07-15 11:30 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Selective SOFI

SoFi Technologies stock has declined significantly this year but now appears more affordable at 23x forward earnings. Ahead of Q2 earnings on July 29, the company is guiding for 30% top-line growth, though slightly lower than Q1's 41%. Key metrics to watch include lending segment growth and charge-off rates. The analyst recommends buying only if investors believe in SoFi's long-term opportunity and can tolerate volatility, cautioning against short-term trading around earnings.

Axe note: SoFi’s impressive growth masks risks that may make it unsuitable for short-term investors, especially from a South African perspective.

2026-07-15 11:19 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective COST

Costco raised its quarterly dividend to $1.47 per share (annual $5.88) for the 22nd consecutive year, requiring 171 shares to generate $1,000 in annual dividends. Despite a low 0.6% dividend yield, the company demonstrates strong fundamentals with 92%+ membership renewal rates, 14% membership growth over two years, and record 2025 sales of $275 billion. Recent stock weakness following profit-taking and disappointing earnings reports presents a buying opportunity for long-term investors.

Axe note: Costco’s steady dividend increases showcase strength, but the low yield and recent stock softness raise local relevance questions.

2026-07-15 11:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective KHC BRK.A BRK.B GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN

Greg Abel, Warren Buffett's successor at Berkshire Hathaway, has revamped the company's portfolio by adding tech stocks like Alphabet while maintaining a position in Kraft Heinz, which offers a 6%+ dividend yield. Kraft Heinz, once a grocery staple, faced declining sales due to shifting consumer preferences toward healthier foods and underinvestment in R&D. New CEO Steve Cahillane scrapped a controversial breakup plan in favor of a growth strategy involving $600 million in R&D and marketing investments. While margins will be pressured short-term, the turnaround effort has Berkshire's support and the stock trades at a low valuation.

Axe note: Berkshire Hathaway supports Kraft Heinz’s turnaround with hefty R&D bets, but near-term margin pain looms.

2026-07-15 11:06 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Selective GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN META AAPL

Major tech companies like Alphabet, Meta, and Apple are redirecting capital away from stock buybacks to fund massive AI infrastructure investments. This shift eliminates a key stock market catalyst that has driven valuations since 2018, potentially exposing an already expensive market to significant downside risk.

Axe note: Big US tech is diverting cash from share buybacks to AI, removing a key driver of stock support and raising questions for South Africa’s market.

2026-07-15 11:05 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective SKHY NVDA MU

SK Hynix's Nasdaq listing gives U.S. investors access to the dominant supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips critical for Nvidia's AI accelerators, controlling over 56% of the market. While the company's technological leadership and close partnership with Nvidia position it as a major AI infrastructure beneficiary, investors should be cautious about the cyclical nature of the memory industry and rising competition from Samsung and Micron.

Axe note: SK Hynix leads the high-bandwidth memory market powering AI, with implications for Nvidia reliance and rand sensitivity.

2026-07-15 10:30 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective ETHV SOLZ GTAO PURR

As the crypto market shows signs of recovery, the author identifies six cryptocurrencies to watch in July based on tokenized real-world assets, tokenomics improvements, and decentralized perpetual futures competition. Ethereum and Solana lead in RWA adoption with potential governance changes, while Bittensor faces questions about sustainable monetization. Hyperliquid dominates the decentralized perps market with strong token buyback mechanisms, while Aster and Lighter emerge as challengers.

Axe note: Some crypto projects show promise, but local investors should approach with caution.

2026-07-15 10:25 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective VHT VTV VB LLY MU

As the market broadens beyond technology stocks, three Vanguard ETFs are positioned to benefit: the Healthcare ETF (VHT) is rallying on strong biotech and obesity drug prospects, the Value ETF (VTV) stands to gain as value stocks show renewed momentum after nearly two decades of underperformance, and the Small-Cap ETF (VB) is accelerating with attractive valuations and improving earnings estimates.

Axe note: As global markets move away from big tech, healthcare, value, and small-cap ETFs show fresh promise.

2026-07-15 10:24 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective NVDA ASML SKHY TSM INTC

McKinsey projects semiconductor spending will reach $1.6 trillion by 2030, driven by AI demand. The article highlights three companies positioned to benefit: Nvidia dominates AI accelerators with strong growth despite high valuation; ASML is the sole EUV lithography equipment manufacturer essential to chip production; and SK Hynix leads the high-bandwidth memory market with a partnership deal with Nvidia.

Axe note: Rising global AI chip spending offers indirect opportunities and risks for JSE investors and the rand.

2026-07-15 10:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective VZ SPCX TMUS TMUSI TMUSL TMUSZ

Verizon's stock has declined following SpaceX's IPO amid investor concerns about satellite internet competition. However, the article argues the sell-off is overdone, citing technology constraints and regulatory barriers that prevent LEO satellites from matching terrestrial network capacity in dense areas. Verizon offers an attractive 6.7% dividend yield and a forward P/E of 8.6, with additional growth potential from bundling wireless and broadband services following its Frontier Communications acquisition.

Axe note: Verizon’s stock dip on SpaceX fears misses the mark given its strong dividend and bundled service growth.