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 August 21st, 2023 | 08:00 CEST
China's shadow banks send first shock waves: Deutsche Bank, Allianz, Viva Gold
To many market observers, China was considered the true powerhouse of financial markets. Even when US growth was reaching its limits due to crises, the Chinese continued scoring points with growth rates well above the 5% mark. But the situation has changed. China is increasingly becoming a problem case. The Chinese real estate market is in a predicament. The situation surrounding project developer Country Garden could, much like in the case with Evergrande before, make waves internationally and put German financial institutions in a difficult situation.
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Commented by Nico Popp on August 17th, 2023 | 07:20 CEST
Return on investment thanks to recycling: NEL, RegenX Tech, BASF
Many people view recycling with skepticism and are reminded of regulations for waste separation, even though a significant portion of carefully sorted recyclables ultimately end up in incineration plants. On a large scale, however, recycling is a beacon of hope. For Germany, in particular, a functioning circular economy could bring many advantages - after all, energy requirements and dependence on foreign countries are high. Recycling is also about the future of the industry.
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Commented by Nico Popp on August 16th, 2023 | 05:25 CEST
Hydrogen scams and hard facts: Nikola, Plug Power, First Hydrogen
The somewhat macabre story behind a dead cat bounce is quickly explained: When a stock rises rapidly after a long sell-off, investors from the bear camp often refer to it as a dead cat bounce. The underlying idea is the somewhat tongue-in-cheek saying that even a dead cat would bounce off the ground if dropped from a great height. The best example of such a dead cat bounce is currently shown by the share of the hydrogen specialist Nikola. While investors are discussing the Company from the US, a success story is emerging in the background around a second-tier company.
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Commented by Nico Popp on August 15th, 2023 | 05:45 CEST
E-car flash in the pan or summit rush? The key players: Varta, Rock Tech Lithium, Almonty Industries
After a challenging climb, we often reap the rewards of our efforts - this is just as true on the stock market as it is after a day in the Alps. While clear skies, Alpine delicacies, and traditional hut festivities might be limited to holidaymakers, a lucrative reward beckons permanently on the stock exchange after thorough research. We look at how investors can navigate the recent price fireworks in e-car shares.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 26th, 2023 | 06:00 CEST
Interview Defence Therapeutics: "The next six months will be trend-setting."
Two Phase I trials against cancer before the end of the year are planned, plus crucial results from a comparative study around mRNA vaccines and a lively collaboration with French nuclear group Orano - cancer pioneer Defence Therapeutics is dancing on many highs. Sébastien Plouffe, CEO of Defence Therapeutics, reveals in an interview how the Canadian company manages to advance so many projects in parallel, what will be important in the coming months, and how the biotech intends to accelerate its development.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 20th, 2023 | 08:15 CEST
Turning point in uranium: ThyssenKrupp Nucera, GoviEx Uranium, Cameco
The energy issue is a concern for industry and citizens. Consumers, in particular, are now so unsettled that they have decided to wait and see. But passivity is not a good advisor. Within industry, it has long been clear that hydrogen is the key to climate neutrality - the successful IPO of ThyssenKrupp Nucera underscores this. But there are energy alternatives: An agreement between Canada and Ukraine shines a spotlight on uranium.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 19th, 2023 | 08:55 CEST
Battery technology - but sustainable! Volkswagen, First Phosphate, SMA Solar
Germany's former flagship industry is suffering: Shifts are being cut at the Volkswagen plant in Zwickau. The reason: customers remain reluctant to buy new cars. They are not yet convinced by many e-cars. Added to this is the price shock. Using three companies as examples, we explore how it could go on for car manufacturers like Volkswagen and how investors can still bet on e-mobility.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 18th, 2023 | 07:30 CEST
320% return - this stock is tomorrow's star: Mercedes-Benz, Altech Advanced Materials, Meyer Burger
Mercedes-Benz dealerships have sent a desperate letter to the Group as sales stagnate. The fear is also spreading in Wolfsburg. German car manufacturers are experiencing a significant decline in sales compared to 2019. E-cars, in particular, are not finding favour with buyers. The German government is already considering renewed incentives. But is that enough? We take a look at investments in the automotive industry and show alternatives.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 17th, 2023 | 07:55 CEST
The hour of the problem solvers: BASF, BYD, dynaCERT
The transformation of industry is not proceeding smoothly. The best example is the recent profit warning from the chemical group BASF. Earlier, Lanxess and the Swiss company Clariant also revised their forecasts. The reason: The economic recovery in the second half of the year is likely to be slower than previously assumed. When the global economy falters, chemical companies are among the first to feel the effects - they produce many important basic materials and are linked to many other industries. Although BASF already sees demand for basic chemicals at a low level that is not expected to decline further, there are no signs of any recovery momentum either.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 13th, 2023 | 08:00 CEST
Germany on the brink - what needs to happen now: JinkoSolar, Siemens Energy, Defiance Silver
It is an explosive study presented by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) and reported by Handelsblatt: By 2024, investments in Germany will increase by only 2.2%. Given the huge challenges posed by climate change and the energy transition, this forecast is frightening. How do we secure future prosperity? Which international companies are outpacing us, and where can Germany still turn the tide?
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