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

2026-07-22 02:15 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Selective

Aflac has maintained a 43-year streak of dividend increases, with the latest hike at 5.2%. However, investors should be aware that the company derives over two-thirds of its pre-tax earnings from Japan, making it heavily exposed to currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen. While the company has managed this risk well historically through aggressive stock buybacks, currency movements could materially impact financial results.

Axe note: Aflac’s long dividend streak comes with a currency risk twist that South African investors should note.

2026-07-22 00:18 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Synaptics' Chief Strategy Officer Satish Ganesan sold 1,465 shares for tax withholding purposes, retaining 61,834 shares worth $7.1 million. The transaction signals confidence in the company's strategic pivot toward IoT and edge computing, where Core IoT sales jumped 31% last quarter with full-year IoT revenue expected to exceed $385 million, while legacy mobile touch business declines.

Axe note: Synaptics’ pivot to IoT is accelerating, backed by strong insider conviction and solid sales growth.

2026-07-22 00:05 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective

SpaceX stock has declined below its $135 IPO price to around $119, but analyst Adria Cimino remains cautious about buying despite the pullback. While the company shows promise with its integrated rocket, connectivity, and AI businesses, concerns include high valuation relative to risk, limited visibility, and capital expenditures ($20B) exceeding revenue ($18B). Morningstar's fair value estimate of $63 suggests the stock remains overpriced.

Axe note: Despite a 20% drop, SpaceX’s valuation and spending keep it off my buy list for now.