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 April 25th, 2025 | 07:20 CEST
US biotechs under pressure – Where opportunities now lie: BioNTech, Pfizer, and Vidac Pharma
The biotech world is in turmoil. The dispute between US President Donald Trump and the elite Harvard University is just the tip of the iceberg – thousands of researchers in the US are upset about the interference in their academic freedom. Research funding is being cut because of supposedly incorrect wording in applications. Entire degree programs are being put on hold because they do not fit into the worldview of the new US administration. The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) is warning of dire consequences for the US economy. Is the United States losing its status as a biotech mecca?
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 24th, 2025 | 07:30 CEST
Germany Inc. as the last hope? Volkswagen, Bayer, Globex Mining
Germany's economy is facing its third consecutive year of contraction. The automotive industry is struggling with competition from China, and Bayer is grappling with past acquisitions, looming tariffs, and other challenges. Now, Bayer shareholders are even being asked to inject new capital. Is the German industry working with politicians to find long-term solutions? Not a chance! The days of Germany Inc. seem to be over. We look at how investors can seize opportunities in this complex situation.
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 23rd, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
The end of the dollar? Deutsche Bank, Newmont, and Desert Gold
The independence of the central bank is a valuable asset that is highly valued by investors. Once again, US President Donald Trump has shaken the independence of the Fed and raised the possibility of dismissing US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The reason: While the ECB cut interest rates on Maundy Thursday, Powell wants to wait and see how the tariffs affect the dollar zone before he adjusts interest rates. Powell's dismissal could have fatal consequences for the capital markets.
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 22nd, 2025 | 07:40 CEST
How hedge funds are now betting on gold: Amazon, Barrick Gold, and Golden Cariboo Resources
"Asset managers and hedge funds are seeking refuge in gold," read the headline in Handelsblatt in the week before Easter. But what is driving the rush for the precious metal? In addition to the considerable uncertainty surrounding the trade tariff dispute, investment professionals are also turning to safe havens due to growing geopolitical risks. But what options do investors have beyond coins and bars? We look at how investors can indirectly bet on the precious metal through stocks.
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 16th, 2025 | 07:50 CEST
Takeover speculation! What is going on at Pfizer, Sanofi, and NetraMark
Developing drugs is expensive - so expensive that 22% of all Phase III studies fail due to budget constraints, as shown by scientific studies. When pharmaceutical companies discontinue a late-stage project, it also moves the stock markets. Recently, Pfizer pulled the plug on its weight loss drug, Danuglipron. The reason: a participant in the study experienced liver damage. This further backfires on Pfizer in the important market of obesity drugs, leaving it further behind Viking Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk. To ensure that more drug trials are successful in the future, the publicly listed tech company NetraMark is relying on AI. The first pharmaceutical multinationals have already set their sights on this hidden gem.
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 15th, 2025 | 10:20 CEST
Tungsten supply remains challenging: Almonty Industries strategically well-positioned
For years, observers have been calling for Europe to develop its own dedicated raw materials strategy. It has been clear for more than a decade that Germany's industry, in particular, needs security of supply. However, instead of securing tangible ownership or at least reliable partnerships, the focus has long been on fair-weather diplomacy and the "principle of hope". With the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the EU aims to mine at least 10% of its required strategic raw materials domestically by 2030. Furthermore, 40% of this is to be processed within the community. For Lewis Black, CEO of tungsten and molybdenum producer Almonty Industries, these are steps in the right direction. But are they coming too late?
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 15th, 2025 | 09:50 CEST
Bayer, BioNTech, Defence Therapeutics: The new biotech reality opens up opportunities
The pharmaceutical sector is exempt from US tariffs. But does that mean everything will be okay for the industry? During the German Biotech Days in Heidelberg, which took place last week, market experts were cautious. Following the layoffs at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are concerns among pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms that the US could lose its leading position in research and development. According to the researchers at the conference, Europe could step into the breach under certain conditions – however, partnerships with other regions remain crucial for continued progress.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 11th, 2023 | 07:50 CEST
New iPhone moment? Apple, NVIDIA, Cantourage
On January 9, 2007, the world changed. That was when Apple introduced its iPhone. Smartphones with touchscreens were previously unknown, but today? Hardly anyone can do without smartphones, tablets and the like! For Apple, the iPhone was the product that changed many things and made the Californians the most valuable company in the world for a time. At the end of 2022, ChatGPT was the next technology to change the world. NVIDIA's stock has been soaring ever since. We highlight NVIDIA and Apple and examine what revolution could change everything for the German company Cantourage.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 10th, 2023 | 07:30 CEST
Good for the Climate - and the Returns: Nordex, Vestas, GoviEx
Climate protection is rightly booming. But what if renewable energy simply doesn't make financial sense, and private investors are hesitant to get involved? The wind power industry, in particular, has been under pressure for years. We explain what is holding back companies like Nordex, when their shares could make a comeback, and explore lesser-known alternatives in the field of climate protection. Let's get started!
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 5th, 2023 | 09:10 CEST
Plain talk from the "Auto-Pope" - this changes everything! Mercedes-Benz, NIO, Power Nickel
Ferdinand Dudenhöffer heads the CAR Center Automotive Research in Duisburg and has been the go-to media expert for cars for decades. Over the years, Dudenhöfer has seen many trends come and go. In his latest guest commentary in Handelsblatt, Dudenhöffer did not mince his words and identified a new development that, regardless of the electrification of the industry, could determine success or failure - what new manufacturing means and how the upheaval could affect auto stocks. We provide an analysis.
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