Axe Capital Investments

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

Axe Capital Trading News shares simple market takes on the stories moving South African shares, the rand, and a handful of major currency pairs.

What you will find here:

1. JSE shares, South African companies, and the local knock-on effects of big market news.

2. The rand, interest rates, and a small group of forex pairs, with USD/ZAR at the centre.

3. Global stories only when they can actually change how a local investor might act.

Latest market stories

Fear Is Driving the Stock Market. Warren Buffett Has 6 Words for Moments Exactly Like This.

2026-08-01 06:30 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective

Stock market volatility has increased investor fear, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq experiencing declines and the Fear and Greed Index dropping to 37. Warren Buffett advises investors to 'be greedy when others are fearful,' suggesting market downturns present buying opportunities for quality stocks at discounted prices. Historical data shows that staying invested through downturns, such as the 2008 recession, yields significant long-term returns.

Axe note: Volatile markets are spooking investors, but history and Buffett suggest opportunity.

Starbucks vs. Chipotle: Both Restaurants Are Seeing Turnarounds, but Which Stock Is the Better Buy Today?

2026-08-01 06:05 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Both Starbucks and Chipotle reported better-than-expected same-store sales growth last quarter, with Starbucks showing stronger comps at 7.9% versus Chipotle's 2.2%. However, the companies diverged on operating margins: Starbucks is beginning to recover margins after CEO Brian Niccol's staffing investments, while Chipotle's margins contracted due to inflation pressures. The analyst favors Starbucks as the better buy due to its stronger sales execution and potential for significant margin recovery.

Axe note: Starbucks shows stronger sales and margin recovery, making it a more compelling buy than Chipotle right now.

Jeff Bezos Stepped Down as Amazon CEO 5 Years Ago, and the Stock Has Lagged the S&P 500 Since. Could Amazon's 15.3% Gain on July 31 Mark a Turning Point?

2026-08-01 03:33 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Amazon stock surged 15.3% on July 31, 2026, following a breakout earnings report showing its fastest revenue growth in five years at 20% ($167.7B). AWS delivered exceptional results with 37% revenue growth to $42.2B, its fastest rate in 18 quarters. The company's AI and chips businesses each exceeded $25B annual revenue run rates with triple-digit growth. Despite the strong performance, Q3 guidance of 9-12% growth suggests the current rate is not sustainable, partly due to Prime Day shifting from July to June.

Axe note: Amazon's recent surge spotlights fast cloud and AI growth but raises questions on sustainability.

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What we follow

We keep the focus on JSE shares, the rand, and the currency moves that matter most to South African investors.

JSE and rand