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

2026-10-26 15:52 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Acumen Pharmaceuticals reported Q3 2026 results with a net loss of $25.4 million and cash reserves of $78.6 million expected to support operations into early 2027. The company is preparing for November 2026 topline results from its Phase 2 ALTITUDE-AD trial testing sabirnetug for early Alzheimer's disease, with 542 participants enrolled. Management expects a 30% slowing of cognitive decline on the iADRS scale as the clinical success benchmark and anticipates low double-digit ARIA-E safety rates. The company is also advancing its Enhanced Brain Delivery program toward an IND filing in mid-2027.

Axe note: Acumen Pharmaceuticals preps for a pivotal November readout on its Alzheimer's drug, but timing and cash remain concerns.

2026-10-26 15:40 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (IHE) has outperformed VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) over the past year, driven by concentrated exposure to Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drugs, delivering 38.2% returns versus PPH's 26.4%. However, PPH offers global diversification with European pharma giants, a higher dividend yield of 1.9%, and nearly identical expense ratios. IHE suits investors seeking recent momentum, while PPH appeals to those prioritizing international exposure and income.

Axe note: iShares’ IHE leads on returns, but VanEck’s PPH offers dividend and global pharma ballast.

2026-10-26 15:37 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective

PagSeguro stock plummeted 27.4% after Brazil's incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won the presidential election runoff with 51.8% of votes, defeating conservative candidate Flávio Bolsonaro who received 48.2%. Investors had bet on a Bolsonaro victory, hoping his administration would improve Brazil's economic conditions. Despite the selloff, analysts note PagSeguro trades at a cheap valuation of 7.7x trailing earnings with expected 10%+ annual earnings growth.

Axe note: PagSeguro’s 27% plunge after Lula’s win flags emerging market risks, but value remains.