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

2026-09-04 08:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

BlackRock is launching target-date mutual funds through Great Gray Trust that will allocate 5-20% of assets to private investments, offering 401(k) plan participants exposure to privately held businesses. The move aims to provide better diversification and potentially higher returns (about 50 basis points annually more than stocks) as the stock market becomes increasingly concentrated in large-cap and technology stocks.

Axe note: BlackRock is adding private investments to target-date funds, aiming for better diversification and returns.

2026-09-04 08:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

SpaceX's latest quarterly report reveals two key metrics that could significantly impact profitability: Starlink grew to 12 million subscribers (a 16.5% jump from Q1) while maintaining a stable $66 monthly average revenue per user (ARPU), defying analyst expectations of continued margin shrinkage. As Starlink is currently SpaceX's only profitable segment offsetting losses elsewhere, sustained subscriber growth with stable ARPU could accelerate the company's path to overall profitability.

Axe note: SpaceX's Starlink subscriber boom challenges profit worries but local investors should watch rand moves closely.

2026-09-04 06:22 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Robinhood Markets stock surged 21% in August following strong Q2 earnings (32% revenue growth, 45% net profit increase) and a cryptocurrency rally. The company's diversified revenue streams—equities, cryptocurrencies, and prediction markets—drove the gains. Prediction markets have become a crucial revenue source, even surpassing crypto trading fees in Q2.

Axe note: Robinhood's recent stock jump highlights the benefits of revenue diversification, a lesson for SA investors watching local fintech and currency moves.