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

2026-10-11 10:22 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) had only three losing years between 2012-2025, with its worst loss being 5.5% in 2018. While this defensive positioning protected it during market downturns like 2022 (down 3% vs S&P 500 down 18%), it significantly underperformed in rising markets. Over 14 years, $10,000 in SCHD grew to ~$49,000 compared to ~$70,500 in the S&P 500, demonstrating the trade-off between downside protection and upside participation.

Axe note: Schwab's dividend ETF shields downside but costs upside, a lesson for South African cautious equity investors.

2026-10-11 10:17 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

ASML is positioned as a superior AI investment compared to Nvidia due to its virtual monopoly on extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems essential for advanced chip manufacturing. The company's High-NA EUV technology is in early adoption stages, with a collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor to transition to 12-inch photomasks by 2031, which will unlock full efficiency benefits and drive future AI chip fab demand.

Axe note: ASML’s near-monopoly on cutting-edge chip-making tools makes it a superior AI play, even over Nvidia.

2026-10-11 10:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Symbotic, a warehouse automation robotics company with a $22.5 billion backlog, is gaining traction with major retailers like Walmart, Albertsons, and Target. Despite recent stock underperformance, analysts remain bullish with a consensus price target 45% above current levels. The global warehouse robotics market is projected to grow at 23.1% annually through 2034, reaching $117.3 billion.

Axe note: Symbotic’s massive backlog and big retailer customers hint at strong growth in warehouse automation with possible local implications.