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

2026-07-24 10:34 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective

The Trump Administration announced Project Prometheus, an AI-focused nuclear development initiative receiving $60 million in federal funding over three years. Three nuclear companies were selected as partners: X-Energy (Tier 1 partner committing $10 million), Oklo, and Standard Nuclear. NuScale was notably excluded from the project, continuing its lack of DoE support since 2019.

Axe note: Project Prometheus’s AI-driven nuclear push lifts select US startups but leaves NuScale sidelined, with limited local impact yet to play out on JSE.

2026-07-24 10:21 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Caterpillar has maintained 32 consecutive years of dividend growth and recently approved another substantial increase. However, the stock's exceptional performance—surging over 110% in the past 12 months due to AI infrastructure demand—has outpaced dividend growth, resulting in the company's lowest dividend yield on record at 0.75%. While new investors face a premium valuation with a forward P/E in the mid-30s, Caterpillar remains well-positioned to continue raising dividends.

Axe note: Caterpillar’s 32-year dividend streak and recent stock surge paint a bullish, if pricey, picture.

2026-07-24 10:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Nine Vanguard ETFs collectively purchased $6.1 billion of SpaceX stock following its June IPO and July Nasdaq-100 listing. SpaceX remains absent from the S&P 500 ETF due to index admission requirements. The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF is recommended as the top pick due to its low 0.03% expense ratio and diversification benefits, with SpaceX expected to increase its weighting as more shares become available for trading.

Axe note: Vanguard ETFs are rapidly building exposure to SpaceX, hinting at evolving growth plays for investors globally.