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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 Trade Desk Rebuilt Its C-Suite in Two Months. Its First Guidance Since Points to a 12% Revenue Decline.
2026-08-07 19:34 The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Bearish

The Trade Desk issued weak third-quarter guidance expecting revenue of at least $650 million, down 12% year-over-year from $739 million, with adjusted EBITDA plummeting roughly 50% to $160 million from $317 million. The stock plunged 25% in after-hours trading following the announcement. The company cited economic headwinds from tariffs and oil prices affecting consumer packaged goods and auto advertisers, along with execution issues. Revenue growth has decelerated from 18% to 3% to negative over consecutive quarters.

Axe note: TTD’s sharp guidance cut shows how macro pressures and execution issues are crushing growth.

Why QuantumScape Stock Collapsed 31% in July
2026-08-07 19:30 The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Bearish

QuantumScape stock fell 31% in July after reporting Q2 earnings amid broader market decline in high-risk stocks. The pre-revenue battery technology company announced a strategic shift from manufacturing to licensing its solid-state battery technology to automakers. With $860 million in cash and annual burn rate of ~$300 million, the company has approximately three years of runway before needing additional funding. Management targets 2029 for commercial battery implementation, but the stock has declined 95% from its highs.

Axe note: QuantumScape’s 31% drop in July underscores risks in speculative EV battery plays amid long timelines and heavy cash burn.

Pfizer's Next Weight-Loss Weapon: How Berobenatide Stacks Up Against Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound
2026-08-07 19:28 The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Pfizer is developing berobenatide, a monthly injectable weight-loss drug that could compete with market leaders Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound. Phase 2b data shows 16% weight loss in 32 weeks with no plateau, positioning it as potentially competitive despite lower efficacy than rivals. The anti-obesity market is projected to reach $190 billion by 2035, offering significant opportunity, though Pfizer faces risks from patent cliffs, increased competition from companies like Amgen, and regulatory hurdles.

Axe note: Pfizer’s new weight-loss drug offers promise, but local investors should watch the rand and pharma sector closely.

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