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

2026-10-07 23:29 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective

PJT Partners stock fell 1.46% on Wednesday following downbeat analyst moves. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods downgraded the stock to market perform from outperform with a price target cut from $195 to $159, citing concerns about slowing M&A growth. UBS also reduced its price target from $176 to $165. The declines reflect worries that rising interest rates are making companies more hesitant to pursue debt-funded deals, pressuring the boutique investment bank's advisory business.

Axe note: Rising interest rates are cooling deals in M&A advisory, a signal worth watching on the JSE.

2026-10-07 23:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The article recommends two high-yield stocks for October: Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) offering a 4.2% dividend yield despite facing near-term patent expiration challenges, and Realty Income (O) with a 6% yield and 31-year dividend increase streak, though facing headwinds from rising interest rates. Both stocks are trading at attractive valuations due to short-term concerns, presenting opportunities for long-term income-focused investors.

Axe note: Appreciating select foreign dividend payers can complement rand exposure amid local uncertainties.

2026-10-07 22:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

The author argues that most investors misunderstand the stock market by focusing on short-term price movements rather than long-term business value. He explains Benjamin Graham's concept of the stock market as a 'voting machine' in the short term (driven by emotions) and a 'weighing machine' in the long term (reflecting true value). Taking advantage of current market pessimism, the author has doubled his position in McCormick, a well-run consumer staples company with a 4% dividend yield, believing Wall Street is undervaluing it despite solid fundamentals and a planned acquisition of Unilever's food business.

Axe note: Long-term business value beats short-term noise, and consumer staples stand out today.