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

2026-09-29 18:39 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Bearish

IonQ has demonstrated customer demand for quantum technology, but the key question is whether the company can convert this demand into repeat business, improve manufacturing efficiency, and achieve better cash economics. The company's valuation appears expensive, and upcoming quarters will be critical in showing whether scale is making each dollar of growth more valuable. A partnership with SkyWater may help, but investors need to see concrete evidence of improving unit economics.

Axe note: High hopes for IonQ’s scale clash with expensive valuation amid uncertain unit economics.

2026-09-29 18:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Applied Materials and Lam Research, both semiconductor equipment manufacturers, have experienced significant growth driven by AI chip demand. Despite recent pullbacks of 27-33% from 52-week highs, both companies show strong fundamentals with expected revenue growth of 51-52% and EPS growth of 71-85% in upcoming quarters. With nearly identical valuations and growth prospects, both stocks present attractive buying opportunities as semiconductor equipment spending is projected to reach $229.5 billion by 2028.

Axe note: Both giants in chipmaking equipment boast solid growth, but one edges ahead for local investors.

2026-09-29 18:23 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Home Depot and Lowe's both trade at attractive valuations compared to their historical P/E ratios amid economic headwinds affecting the home-improvement retail sector. Home Depot's P/E ratio of 21 and stronger operational performance (1.7% same-store sales growth vs. Lowe's 0.2%) make it the more obvious value buy, as its larger scale should help it emerge stronger when economic conditions improve.

Axe note: Both stocks look cheap on price-to-earnings, but operational strength tips the scales.