At home in Southern Germany, the passionate stock exchange expert has been accompanying the capital markets for about twenty years. With a soft spot for smaller companies, he is constantly on the lookout for exciting investment stories. That it depends thereby less on large names, but on the future potential and whether the market also recognizes these perspectives, was one of its first learnings at the stock exchange.
On these pages, Nico examines current events at listed companies and takes a closer look at companies that are traded under the radar of the market, in addition to well-known securities.
In order to be able to take advantage of speculative opportunities on the stock exchange, Nico not only focuses on a balanced asset allocation of defensive and opportunity-oriented securities, but also on an intact risk management. "In addition to position size and entry in several tranches, investors should also develop a sense of timing and get to know a stock better before investing," says the columnist.
Commented by Nico Popp
Commented by Nico Popp on October 21st, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
Biotech investors should know these suppliers: Thermo Fisher Scientific, BioNxt, AptarGroup
While new drugs dominate the headlines, it is often suppliers and service providers that deliver solid long-term returns. Three examples: Thermo Fisher Scientific, BioNxt Solutions, and AptarGroup - all key enablers for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. We present their business models and markets, highlighting where investors can spot particular opportunities – especially BioNxt, which occupies exciting niches with its innovations.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 21st, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Insights instead of data – this revolution is transforming entire industries: Aspermont, RELX, Verisk Analytics
Companies continue to evolve – luxury sports car manufacturer Lamborghini once built tractors. But what if, instead of building something entirely new, companies build on their experience and transfer a historically grown wealth of knowledge to the present? We present three exciting business models that demonstrate how modern AI innovations need a solid foundation to thrive. When that foundation exists, the opportunities for investors can be tremendous. Let's dive in with Aspermont, RELX, and Verisk Analytics.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 17th, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Crypto business models with yield potential: Nakiki, BlackRock, Marathon Digital
Bitcoin has long been an asset class in its own right. Despite recent price losses, more and more crypto enthusiasts remain convinced that Bitcoin will revolutionize the financial system. The reason: the currency cannot be inflated. Its maximum supply is already known. In October 2025, the Bitcoin price exceeded the USD 126,000 mark, reaching an all-time high. This rally has strengthened Bitcoin's reputation as a store of value and inflation hedge. At the same time, increasing amounts of institutional capital are flowing into regulated crypto investments. In the third quarter of 2025 alone, BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) recorded inflows of USD 2.63 billion – the largest inflow into a Bitcoin ETF ever.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 16th, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
Tungsten – Where the critical element is irreplaceable: Almonty, LAM Research, Rheinmetall
In recent days, the share price of tungsten producer Almonty Industries has known only one direction: upward. But why is there suddenly such hype surrounding a raw material that, only a few years ago, was known only to experts? The answer is clear: for decades, China lulled Western buyers into a false sense of security and drove foreign mine operators into bankruptcy through dumping prices. Today, Almonty remains the only major tungsten producer in the West, while numerous industries urgently depend on this critical element. We take a closer look at the demand structure of this unique high-tech and defense metal.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 16th, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Who definitely deserves credit in the fight against cancer: NetraMark, Moderna, BioNTech
Two biotech pioneers, Moderna and BioNTech, are back in the spotlight after their COVID-19 vaccine success - this time in a race to develop innovative cancer therapies. Both companies rely on mRNA technology to develop personalized cancer vaccines. Speed is crucial here: whoever brings effective treatments to market first could secure billions in market share. At the same time, AI startup NetraMark is entering the stage with novel data analysis that could significantly accelerate research and shape medical progress. We shed light on what is currently driving both the research community and investors.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 15th, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
Hydrogen boom ahead: BMW, Toyota, Pure Hydrogen
Has the hydrogen hype cooled off? Not at all! Large companies are still investing heavily in this energy carrier. Industrial companies, such as those in the chemical sector, as well as automakers like BMW and Toyota, are all offering innovations related to hydrogen. But hydrogen is not just a topic for large corporations. Smaller mid-sized companies also need solutions for renewable energy for their factories or vehicle fleets. This is where the Australian company Pure Hydrogen comes into play – the hydrogen specialists' focus is on holistic solutions.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 14th, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
Raw materials war sends industry into panic – New buyers enter the resource sector: SAP, Barrick Mining, Globex Mining
Industry and the commodities sector are in turmoil. China's latest trade restrictions on critical raw materials are causing widespread uncertainty. Last week, China announced its intention to severely restrict exports of rare earths. In addition, raw materials that can serve military purposes will no longer be allowed to leave the country. Also on the list: Chinese expertise related to the extraction and processing of these raw materials. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) has already quoted a China expert who sees a new dimension of extraterritoriality in these measures. Here is what investors should keep in mind now.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 13th, 2025 | 07:25 CEST
Drone stocks: Opportunities with Volatus Aerospace, DroneShield, and Rheinmetall
When drones appeared over several European airports in September and brought flight operations to a standstill, it came as a shock. The incidents revealed that Germany and many other Western countries are largely powerless against drones, as there are no defense mechanisms in place. Instead, representatives of the German Armed Forces and police are arguing over who is responsible for countering such threats – in Germany, there are even regulations governing who may defend against enemy threats and where. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine continues – and with it, the drone war is evolving. It has long been clear that drones are essential as a deterrent and have become a core element of every modern army. We explain why Volatus Aerospace is well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing drone hype.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 13th, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Hydrogen as an explosive mixture: First Hydrogen, Plug Power, Amazon
Hydrogen continues to shine as a beacon of opportunity for industry and logistics. Experts remain optimistic despite the challenges of scaling up hydrogen production in Germany. Market observers, such as McKinsey, anticipate that the cost of green hydrogen will fall rapidly in the coming years, potentially turning many projects, still debated by experts today, into profitable ventures. Companies already established in the sector stand to benefit the most. We present three hydrogen visionaries and examine whether the associated stocks can benefit from the hydrogen boom.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 10th, 2025 | 07:05 CEST
War increasingly likely? This supplier is improving drones: AeroVironment, NEO Battery Materials and Kratos Defense
"Is war against Putin inevitable?" This was the headline in BILD yesterday in response to statements by military historian Sönke Neitzel on the ARD talk show Maischberger. According to Neitzel, Putin has already paved the way for war with his recent escalations. The historian asks: "If Putin is determined – many in NATO say so, and I would agree – will he wait until we can say that even the German Armed Forces now have enough drones? No, probably not." Neitzel believes that, due to the current poor equipment of many NATO countries, a military conflict between NATO and Russia could occur within the next three years. Investments in drones are therefore urgently needed. We present a battery supplier that offers tailor-made technology for drones, capable of drastically reducing the dependence of Western militaries on batteries from China.
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