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

2026-09-04 18:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

AbbVie has successfully diversified beyond its blockbuster Humira with strong immunology drugs (Skyrizi and Rinvoq), while Pfizer is leveraging its cash position to build oncology and GLP-1 pipelines. Despite AbbVie's stronger growth trajectory, Pfizer offers better valuation metrics with lower P/E and P/S ratios, making it the preferred choice for long-term value investors willing to wait for new product launches.

Axe note: AbbVie’s robust growth contrasts with Pfizer’s value, but local investors should lean toward Pfizer for margin and valuation appeal.

2026-09-04 18:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The biotech industry is experiencing a strong rebound in 2026. While both Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Regeneron are attractive options, Vertex emerges as the better buy due to its stronger competitive advantage in cystic fibrosis drugs with patent protection until the late 2030s, diversified pipeline targeting high-need areas with less competition, and lower execution risk compared to Regeneron's dependence on weight-loss candidates and defending its Dupixent franchise against increasing competition.

Axe note: Vertex’s cystic fibrosis dominance makes it a safer bet than Regeneron’s riskier weight-loss play.

2026-09-04 18:17 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective

Major U.S. stock indexes fell modestly on Friday despite a stronger-than-expected August jobs report showing 162,000 payroll additions versus consensus of 53,000. The strong jobs data raised Fed rate hike odds to 60% for the September meeting, causing short-term Treasury yields to spike. Apple weighed on the market due to production issues with foldable devices, while Tesla dropped 6% following disappointing early reviews of its Cybercab service. Micron Technology surged on plans to double AI memory chip production by 2027.

Axe note: Mixed US tech earnings and a strong jobs report shook markets, but local investors should look beyond the headlines.