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.

Coverage focus:

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 Finance Headlines

Which ETF Is Healthier for Your Portfolio: Vanguard Health Care ETF or iShares Pharmaceuticals ETF?

2026-07-22 20:33 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The article compares two healthcare-focused ETFs: Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) and iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (IHE). VHT offers broader diversification with 411 holdings and a lower 0.09% expense ratio, while IHE provides concentrated pharmaceutical exposure with 56 holdings and has delivered superior 5-year returns (11.8% vs 5.4%). The author recommends IHE as the better buy for 2026 due to stronger recent performance and lower maximum drawdown, despite VHT's cost advantages.

Axe note: A comparison of broad healthcare versus focused pharmaceutical exposure for 2026 portfolios.

My 3 Favorite Vanguard ETFs to Buy Right Now

2026-07-22 20:28 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The article recommends three Vanguard ETFs for a diversified portfolio: VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) as the core foundation providing comprehensive U.S. stock market exposure including mid and small-caps; VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) for conservative growth focused on dividend-paying companies with 10+ years of consecutive dividend growth; and VONG (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF) as the aggressive growth component emphasizing high total return potential. Together, these ETFs provide a balanced approach to long-term investing, though the author notes they should be supplemented with small-cap, international, and bond exposure.

Axe note: Three Vanguard ETFs can add US growth and income plays to South African portfolios, but weigh currency risk carefully.

GM Raised Its 2026 Profit Outlook to as Much as $16 Billion -- the Second Raise This Year. Here's the Part of the Business That Turned.

2026-07-22 20:23 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

General Motors raised its 2026 profit outlook for the second time this year, expecting adjusted EBIT of $14-16 billion. The improvement is driven by steady vehicle pricing, falling warranty costs, and significantly reduced EV losses as the company completes its electric vehicle restructuring. Q2 adjusted earnings per share rose 41% year-over-year despite a 31% net income decline due to one-time EV charges. At roughly 6x guided earnings, GM appears undervalued.

Axe note: GM's raised 2026 profit outlook highlights improving car pricing and fewer EV losses.

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Focus Areas

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

Market notes