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2026-08-05 19:32 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Duolingo enters Q2 earnings with a major strategic shift toward long-term user growth over near-term monetization. Investors should focus on three key metrics: daily active user (DAU) growth trajectory toward the 100 million DAU target by 2028, the balance between margin pressure and user engagement gains, and management's confidence in executing the 2026 strategy. The company is deliberately investing in free features and AI capabilities, which will pressure profitability but should drive user acquisition.

Axe note: Duolingo's pivot to long-term daily user growth but with short-term profit pressure has an indirect impact on the rand via tech sector FX flows.

2026-08-05 19:31 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The article compares two ETFs: Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) and State Street SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF (NZAC). SCHE offers lower fees (0.06%), higher dividend yield (2.6%), and better recent 1-year performance (20.1%), while NZAC provides broader global ESG-screened exposure with stronger long-term returns. The author recommends SCHE for 2026 as it better delivers on its emerging markets promise, whereas NZAC functions as a closet tech/growth fund despite its climate focus.

Axe note: For South African investors, the Schwab Emerging Markets ETF's genuine emerging markets focus and dividend yield make it a better 2026 play than broad climate-themed funds.

2026-08-05 19:17 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Neutral

ASML's share price has surged above $1,700, making it a candidate for a stock split. However, recent semiconductor sector weakness and ASML's high valuation (37x forward earnings) suggest a split is unlikely in 2026, with 2027 or 2028 being more probable. The company has not conducted a forward split since 2000.

Axe note: ASML’s high share price and sector buzz don’t guarantee a stock split soon, with semiconductor earnings and momentum concerns holding it back.