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

The S&P 500 Has Risen 30.6% in the First 20 Months of Trump's Second Term, Just Ahead of the 28.5% Gain Over the Same Stretch of His First Term. Here's Why That Comparison Matters for Investors Heading Into the Midterms.

2026-10-15 01:00 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The S&P 500 has gained 30.6% during the first 20 months of Trump's second term, slightly outpacing the 28.5% gain during the same period of his first term. Despite historical trends showing midterm election years underperform, stocks remain resilient amid geopolitical challenges and inflation concerns. Analysts suggest divided government and the historically strong third year of presidential cycles could support continued market strength into 2027.

Axe note: Strong US equity gains under Trump's second term offer a nuanced signal for South African markets ahead of midterms.

Boeing's Secret Weapon Isn't on the Factory Floor -- It's in the Boardroom

2026-10-15 00:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Boeing's board of directors has significantly strengthened with the addition of experienced aviation and aerospace executives under new CEO Kelly Ortberg. The board now includes leaders like David Joyce (former GE Aviation CEO), Akhil Johri (former United Technologies CFO), and David Gitlin (former Collins Aerospace president). This expertise is positioned as crucial for Boeing's long-term turnaround, including developing next-generation aircraft while managing a $715 billion backlog and restoring its balance sheet.

Axe note: Boeing has added deep aerospace expertise to its board, signalling a more confident turnaround strategy.

Invesco QQQ Doesn't Own a Single Bank, and That's Not the Only Thing the Nasdaq-100 Leaves Out

2026-10-14 23:23 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), which tracks the Nasdaq-100 index, excludes all financial companies and any stocks not primarily listed on Nasdaq. This means major banks like JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, as well as NYSE-listed companies like Berkshire Hathaway, Visa, and Oracle, are absent from the fund. Despite missing the entire financial sector (11.5% of the S&P 500), QQQ has delivered superior long-term returns of 21% annually over 10 years compared to 13% for financial sector funds, though it underperformed in certain years like 2022 and 2024.

Axe note: The Nasdaq-100 excludes all banks and NYSE companies, skewing exposure away from finance and beyond.

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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