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

Why Microsoft Stock Is Surging

2026-08-03 02:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Microsoft stock surged nearly 22% following strong quarterly earnings driven by AI-fueled growth. The company reported 18% year-over-year revenue growth to $90 billion, with Azure cloud services revenue jumping 43% and reaching $100 billion annually for the first time. Microsoft 365 Copilot exceeded 30 million paid seats, and adjusted net income climbed 22% to $35.3 billion, surpassing Wall Street estimates. The company also confirmed it will remain free cash flow positive in fiscal 2027 despite increased AI investments.

Axe note: Microsoft’s strong AI-driven earnings growth spotlight global tech trends with subtle local currency implications.

The Fed Held Interest Rates Steady for a 2nd Straight Meeting Under Kevin Warsh, With 3 Officials Dissenting. Here's What Investors Should Expect Next.

2026-08-03 01:30 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Selective

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh kept interest rates steady at 3.5%-3.75% for the second consecutive meeting on July 29, but faced a 9-3 dissenting vote—the highest dissent in a decade. Rising oil prices from Middle East geopolitical tensions are expected to push inflation higher in July's data, potentially prompting an interest rate hike at the September meeting. Warsh's reluctance to provide forward guidance makes it harder for investors to predict future Fed decisions.

Axe note: The Fed paused its rate hikes amid dissent, but rising oil threatens to disrupt the outlook and tighten South African financial conditions.

Greg Abel's Berkshire Hathaway: What the Next Decade Could Look Like

2026-08-03 01:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Greg Abel, the new CEO of Berkshire Hathaway following Warren Buffett's retirement, acquired homebuilder Taylor Morrison for $6.8 billion. The deal signals a shift in management style—Abel plans to be more hands-on than Buffett, integrating Berkshire's housing businesses into a unified platform. This represents an evolution rather than a radical change, with Abel expected to leverage Berkshire's scale for acquisitions while improving internal operations over the next decade.

Axe note: Berkshire Hathaway’s new CEO signals steady evolution with a big housing bet.

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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