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2026-07-17 19:33 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective

The Invesco KBW Bank ETF (KBWB) and ProShares Ultra Financials (UYG) offer different approaches to financial sector exposure. KBWB provides straightforward banking exposure with a 0.35% expense ratio and delivered a 39.43% one-year return, while UYG uses 2x daily leverage with a higher 0.94% expense ratio and returned 14.08% over the same period. KBWB is recommended for buy-and-hold investors, while UYG is better suited for short-term traders, though leveraged ETFs carry daily reset risks and tax inefficiency concerns.

Axe note: KBWB offers cleaner, long-term financial exposure compared to UYG's risky leveraged structure.

2026-07-17 19:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Apple has committed $851 billion to share buybacks since 2012 under Tim Cook's leadership, reducing outstanding shares by over 40% and boosting diluted earnings per share by 373% over 13 years. Despite sitting out the AI boom, Apple's stock has risen 22% in 2026 and 1,250% over the past decade, demonstrating the effectiveness of its capital allocation strategy focused on returning cash to shareholders rather than major acquisitions.

Axe note: Apple’s massive share buybacks have outpaced any major acquisition strategy, driving huge returns despite sitting out the AI boom.

2026-07-17 19:19 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile are competing in the satellite communications space with different business models. SpaceX dominates rocket launches and operates Starlink with 10.3 million subscribers but faces massive capital requirements and negative free cash flow of -$14 billion in FY 2025. AST SpaceMobile is building a direct-to-device cellular network with partnerships from major carriers and expects profitability by 2027, though it currently has negative free cash flow of -$1.1 billion. The article recommends AST SpaceMobile as the better 2026 buy due to its more focused business plan and earlier path to profitability.

Axe note: A look at SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile’s 2026 outlook and their relevance for South African investors.