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

2026-10-11 19:10 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective

Palantir Technologies faces headwinds despite strong recent performance due to its extremely high valuation and rising competition from AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic. With a price-to-sales ratio of 81, the stock is priced for perfection with significant growth already baked in. Historical precedent suggests companies trading at such high multiples experience lackluster long-term returns, and Palantir could be disrupted by competitors offering similar capabilities at lower costs.

Axe note: Palantir’s sky-high valuation and growing AI competition suggest caution despite recent gains.

2026-10-11 18:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Greg Abel, Warren Buffett's successor at Berkshire Hathaway, has continued investing in Alphabet, which has become the firm's third-largest holding. The article argues Alphabet is an attractive investment due to its simple core business model (advertising marketplace), growing cloud computing segment, and strategic investments in AI companies. Despite trading at a premium valuation compared to some peers, Alphabet offers Berkshire exposure to cutting-edge technologies like AI without requiring direct expertise in those areas.

Axe note: Greg Abel’s move to increase Berkshire Hathaway’s stake in Alphabet highlights a growing faith in cloud and AI growth, a trend worth noting on the JSE.

2026-10-11 18:17 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

While S&P 500 index funds remain a solid foundation for investors, the technology sector has consistently outperformed the broader market over the past 30 years with average annual gains of 14.2% versus the market's 10%. The author recommends new investors consider adding technology sector ETFs like VGT, XLK, or IYW to their portfolios alongside diversified index funds, citing tech companies' track record of driving societal innovation through products like smartphones, search engines, and e-commerce platforms.

Axe note: While the US tech boom dazzles, South African investors should look carefully at Prosus for local tech exposure.