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

2026-07-22 05:22 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective

AppLovin stock declined 24% in the first half of 2026 despite strong financial performance, driven by concerns about AI disruption, competition from Meta in iOS ad tracking, and a short-seller attack. However, the company continues to deliver impressive revenue growth (66% increase) and profit margins, with management showing confidence through stock buybacks.

Axe note: AppLovin's share slump despite strong growth signals pressure from AI and Meta that South African tech investors should watch.

2026-07-22 03:23 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Selective

SpaceX faces a massive short position of 206 million shares (32% of tradable float) worth $25 billion. CEO Elon Musk claims short sellers have "very low" survival probability, but the stock has fallen 45% from its post-IPO peak to $123.46. While a potential short squeeze could occur before the company's first earnings report on Aug. 4, expanding lock-up expirations will increase share supply, potentially easing short pressure. The stock trades at 80+ times sales despite impressive 33% revenue growth, leaving valuation concerns unresolved.

Axe note: SpaceX’s heavy short interest and lofty valuation signal caution, with a potential short squeeze adding volatility ahead of earnings.

2026-07-22 03:05 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

AMD stock surged 7.91% after expanding its partnership with Microsoft to deploy Helios rack-scale systems on Azure cloud computing for AI inference workloads. The integrated system combines AMD's Instinct GPUs, Venice CPUs, and networking solutions to reduce AI application costs. Despite Nvidia's dominance with over 90% market share in data center AI chips, AMD's cost-efficient approach could help it gain market share in the rapidly expanding AI market.

Axe note: AMD’s new deal with Microsoft rattles Nvidia’s dominance and hints at cost savings that could ripple to FX markets and local tech sentiment.