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

2026-07-31 14:27 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Lemonade reported strong Q2 earnings with 79% revenue growth and raised full-year guidance, but its in-force premium outlook slightly missed Wall Street's expectations at $1.632-$1.639 billion versus estimates above $1.642 billion. Despite the miss, the company continues to demonstrate solid growth with 23% customer increase year-over-year and is expected to achieve positive adjusted EBITDA by Q4 2026. Analysts view the stock pullback as a buying opportunity rather than a sign of slowing growth.

Axe note: Lemonade’s slight miss on in-force premiums raises questions but growth remains intact.

2026-07-31 14:23 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Lam Research, which manufactures semiconductor equipment used by memory chip makers, is positioned to be the biggest winner of the AI-driven memory boom. With memory makers planning massive capital expenditure increases (340% combined growth by 2027) and the memory shortage expected to persist until 2029, Lam Research's addressable market is expanding significantly. The company recently beat earnings expectations and projects 52% revenue growth, with analysts projecting potential 50% upside over three years.

Axe note: AI's memory chip boom boosts Lam Research, with clear ripples for the rand and sector exposure on the JSE.

2026-07-31 14:18 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has delivered a 26% return year-to-date in 2026, significantly outperforming the S&P 500. The ETF focuses on 100 high-quality dividend-paying companies with at least 10 years of consecutive dividend payments, featuring a low 0.06% expense ratio and 3.3% dividend yield. Its portfolio emphasizes healthcare and consumer staples sectors, making it suitable for long-term buy-and-hold investors seeking stability and passive income.

Axe note: SCHD's strong 2026 run spotlights resilient dividend payers, but what does it mean for local investors?