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

2026-07-17 21:29 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Bullish

The article compares VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV), two popular precious metals investment vehicles with different mechanics. While SLV provides direct exposure to physical silver bullion, GDX offers equity-based exposure to gold mining companies. Over five years, GDX delivered superior returns ($2,339 vs $2,196 on a $1,000 investment) with lower volatility. The article recommends GDX as the better buy, citing dividend income, favorable tax treatment compared to collectibles, and expectations for continued gold miner outperformance in 2026.

Axe note: Gold mining stocks edge silver bullion in returns and risk, making miners preferable for South African investors.

2026-07-17 21:24 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

ServiceNow and UiPath are both positioned to capitalize on the growing agentic AI market, which is forecasted to grow at 46.2% CAGR through 2030. ServiceNow has faster revenue growth (22% YoY) and higher-paying customers, while UiPath recently achieved profitability and has better margin expansion potential. Both trade at similar P/E ratios, but UiPath offers better value for investors focused on margin improvement.

Axe note: Comparing UiPath and ServiceNow through a South African lens highlights UiPath’s margin upside against ServiceNow’s revenue strength.

2026-07-17 21:13 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective

Major stock indices declined on July 17, 2026, as a semiconductor sell-off deepened amid geopolitical tensions and concerns about AI spending sustainability. The Nasdaq fell 1.40%, S&P 500 dropped 1.01%, and Dow Jones slipped 0.77%. Travelers Companies surged 9% on strong earnings, while chip stocks including Nvidia, AMD, and Intel tumbled. The PHLX Semiconductor Index has fallen over 13% in the past month despite being up 63% year-to-date.

Axe note: US chip stocks plunged on AI spending doubts, dragging global sentiment and weighing on the rand.