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 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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Commented by Nico Popp on October 5th, 2023 | 08:35 CEST
Future investments that will soon ignite: Volkswagen, JinkoSolar, Defense Metals
Do you wish you had a crystal ball? What a question! Those who know the future could make great profit from it. But even without magical powers, one can succeed in consistently aligning your portfolio with the future. We explain how this works and what investors need to watch out for. In addition, we present three companies with great future potential and highlight when investments could be worthwhile and when investors would be better to wait and see.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 2nd, 2023 | 07:55 CEST
Tremors in the Industry - What goes, What stays: ThyssenKrupp, First Hydrogen, BYD
ThyssenKrupp no longer wants to be (almost) just a steel conglomerate. Donald Trump sees the transition to sustainable transportation as an attack on the industry, and in parallel, Germany is pondering how to change course. We shed light on the tremors in the industry and explain which technologies are yesterday's news and where new long-term potential is emerging. This much can be revealed in advance: Surprises lurk off the well-trodden tracks!
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Commented by Nico Popp on September 28th, 2023 | 09:05 CEST
Germany - Car Country? The exodus begins: Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, First Phosphate
Cars still play a significant role in Germany. Many households have two vehicles, some even more. However, sales of new cars have weakened recently - the question of whether to buy a combustion engine or an electric vehicle, along with inflation, have deterred many buyers. German brand manufacturers are now being attracted to the US. There, they are enticed by subsidies and an intact market. Find out what the latest plans of Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and others entail and which relatively unknown company could benefit.
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Commented by Nico Popp on September 27th, 2023 | 07:10 CEST
Rich as a Sheikh? Here is what's happening: Schott Pharma, BioNTech, Cardiol Therapeutics
High-tech or add-on? When Schott Pharma's shares go public in Frankfurt on Thursday, investors are likely to have a clear opinion. The manufacturer of pharmaceutical packaging may be attracting significant interest precisely because its business model is clearly defined. But what sets Schott apart, and which companies in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry might also become interesting? We provide insights and deliver answers!
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