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

2026-08-04 03:24 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Newell Brands (NWL) stock surged 13.57% following strong second-quarter results showing 3% year-over-year sales growth—the first positive growth in over four years. The company's adjusted operating income jumped 56% and EPS climbed 75%, boosted by tariff refunds and improved operational capabilities. Management raised full-year EPS guidance, and Canaccord Genuity increased its price target from $9 to $11, suggesting potential 70%+ gains ahead.

Axe note: Newell Brands posts first sales growth in years, pushing shares up 13%, but South African investors should watch the USD/ZAR reaction.

2026-08-04 01:12 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective

President Trump criticized ExxonMobil and Chevron for posting massive Q2 windfall profits driven by the Iran war and surging oil prices, demanding they lower consumer gas prices and 'give some of that back' to the public. However, the article explains that individual oil companies cannot unilaterally control prices due to interconnected supply chains and long-term contracts, and that resolving the Iran conflict would be the most effective way to reduce oil prices.

Axe note: Trump’s public call for Chevron and Exxon to return windfall profits overlooks the complex oil market dynamics that matter for South Africa.

2026-08-04 01:03 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The article compares Booking Holdings and Coupang as consumer discretionary investments. Booking operates a global travel platform with 4.5 million properties, generating $26.9B in revenue with a 20% net margin. Coupang dominates South Korean e-commerce with $34.5B in revenue but only 0.6% net margin. The author recommends Booking due to its global scale, superior profitability, reasonable valuation at 18.5x forward P/E, and expected 15% earnings growth, while noting Coupang's unproven ability to expand globally and recent regulatory challenges.

Axe note: Booking’s proven global model and strong profitability make it a safer buy compared to Coupang’s risky, unprofitable roadmap.