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 28th, 2025 | 07:05 CET
Antimony remains scarce and in demand: EnerSys, Aurubis, Antimony Resources
Antimony is a semi-metal with a silvery sheen, primarily used in lead-acid batteries, flame retardants, electronics, and military technology. In recent months, China has severely restricted its antimony exports. According to estimates, China produced around 60% of the world's antimony in 2024, followed by Tajikistan. China's dominance is heightening supply fears: as Reuters reported in June this year, US battery manufacturers are already referring to a "national emergency." This is reason enough to take a closer look at the supply chain in the West and examine the role of Antimony Resources, which recently attracted attention in the stock market.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 27th, 2025 | 07:15 CET
Gold rush in Africa - Compelling Reasons for Côte d'Ivoire: Endeavour Mining, B2Gold, Kobo Resources
From time to time, business magazines report on investment opportunities in Africa. Time and again, authors refer to the continent's dynamic growth. The commodities sector in particular is strong. But how safe are investments in countries like Mali, Ghana or Zimbabwe? Seasoned Africa experts have always emphasized one thing: every country on the continent is different. Here, we highlight where Africa offers promising mining projects in the gold sector, draw parallels and outline the opportunities.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 24th, 2025 | 07:30 CEST
Small investment, huge profit? When financing truly pays off: Almonty, T-Mobile US, Netflix
Capital is a means of production, as Karl Marx already knew. So when companies secure new financing options, they do so to create additional value. Almonty, a leading Western tungsten producer, recently filed an application for a Preliminary Base Shelf Prospectus. This is a strategic financing instrument that allows companies to remain flexible – depending on market conditions and needs, they can access a range of predefined financing options and implement them quickly. Almonty cites the development of its massive Sangdong mine as a potential reason, but long-term observers of the Company see additional opportunities. We analyze Almonty's latest company announcement and show how T-Mobile US and Netflix have previously used smart financing strategies to lay the foundation for long-term growth.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 23rd, 2025 | 07:30 CEST
Battery metals before the hype? Battery clusters are emerging in Québec: Northern Graphite, Graphano Energy, and General Motors
Graphite is a crucial material for battery anodes. Natural graphite, in particular, is in high demand and scores with its unique properties. As China tightens export restrictions on raw materials and focuses on supplying finished batteries, Western automakers like General Motors are growing increasingly concerned about supply security. At the same time, innovation is needed to remain competitive against low-cost Chinese producers. Currently, there is only one operating graphite mine in all of Canada, despite the material's strategic importance. We explain the background and introduce a potential beneficiary that has so far flown under the radar of many investors.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 23rd, 2025 | 07:20 CEST
Next DRONE BOOST ahead: NEO Battery Materials, Kratos Defense, AeroVironment
Drones have become indispensable in modern warfare. That much is now clear. NATO and EU countries are therefore pooling considerable resources for unmanned systems: this year, NATO allies decided to increase defense spending to a total of 5% of economic output. Germany alone announced that it would invest EUR 10 billion in drones of all kinds in the coming years. These massive investments underscore that there is no way around drones. To ensure the supply of high-performance drones, battery technology is increasingly coming into focus. China dominates this field and has recently restricted military exports. The up-and-coming Canadian company NEO Battery Materials is closing the gap.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 23rd, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
This raw materials latecomer scores with quality: Power Metallic Mines, Albemarle, Ford
Stagnation looms! After the Dutch government replaced the Chinese CEO at chip manufacturer Nexperia, chip deliveries from China to the EU have come to a halt - production stoppages are now a real threat. The supply of critical raw materials is also anything but secure today. China is tightening the reins not only on semiconductors and rare earths. Beyond strict export controls or outright bans, industry insiders report that a multitude of bureaucratic hurdles are making day-to-day operations increasingly difficult. We take a look at how Western mining and industrial companies are adapting to this new environment and explain why Power Metallic Mines has recently moved into the spotlight for many investors.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 22nd, 2025 | 07:20 CEST
Dividend stocks with that certain something: RE Royalties, freenet, Porsche
Recent media reports of an impending banking crisis in the US have increased market volatility. US President Trump's erratic policies are not exactly helping to calm the markets either. In times like these, some investors are looking for safe havens for their portfolios. For many investors, dividend stocks are the primary choice for this purpose, alongside bonds. We highlight some interesting picks, including RE Royalties, which stands out with a business model that scores points with its unique selling points.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 22nd, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
Hype and day-to-day business – What matters now: European Lithium, BMW, Mercedes-Benz
European Lithium shares have recently caused quite a stir. But what is behind the surge that has multiplied its value within just a few days? What role does the Company actually play - for the US and also for Europe? We sort through the many reports on European Lithium and show where the Company could be headed in the medium term. One thing seems certain: Without European Lithium, the outlook for the automotive industry on both sides of the Atlantic looks bleak. Reason enough to take a closer look at the background.
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Commented by Nico Popp on October 22nd, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Important piece of the puzzle in the fight against cancer: Vidac Pharma, Roche, Merck & Co.
The pharmaceutical market is enormous - and continues to grow. Market research institute Evaluate forecasts an increase to around USD 1.7 trillion by 2030, representing an annual growth rate of 7.7%. Oncology promises the highest sales, at around USD 300 billion. However, there is no single approach. Instead, new modalities and technologies such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), cell and gene therapies, and radiopharmaceuticals are transforming the industry and gaining significant traction. One thing is clear: progress in the biotech sector is increasingly achieved through the combination of active ingredients and technologies. What role does the biotech company Vidac Pharma play in this?
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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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