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 September 2nd, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
The auto industry is at a crossroads – Who will solve the lithium problem? BYD, Mercedes-Benz, European Lithium
When the Chinese step on the gas, German premium manufacturers are left in the dust! As a recent article in Handelsblatt shows, Chinese auto suppliers are increasingly overtaking their international competitors. This is fatal – after all, suppliers are the ones driving innovation. One indicator is the battery sector: in the first half of 2025, the two largest Chinese battery manufacturers, CATL and BYD, together controlled 55.7% of the global electric vehicle battery market. The next-largest non-Chinese supplier is LG from South Korea, with a market share of just 9%. As it stands, European car manufacturers remain heavily dependent on Chinese batteries. We examine why this dependence is risky, which companies are already working to reduce it, and which stocks offer opportunities for investors.
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Commented by Nico Popp on September 1st, 2025 | 07:05 CEST
The key to higher returns: How ESG is making Newmont, Intel, and Almonty more successful
Just a few years ago, ESG was a buzzword that companies in industry and mining could use to present themselves in a favorable light. Today, standards for sustainable business practices are clearly defined and bring tangible benefits to all who adhere to them. For example, cooperation with local residents and adherence to high environmental standards at mining companies such as Newmont and Almonty ensure better financing conditions and motivated, skilled workers. Potential customers such as Intel also pay close attention to the conditions under which raw materials are extracted. In this article, we explain how ESG and returns go hand in hand.
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Commented by Nico Popp on August 26th, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Two-tier market for raw materials: BHP Group, Power Metallic Mines, BYD
The term "commodity" refers to a standardized, interchangeable product with no unique characteristics. However, this principle is beginning to falter. On the one hand, production conditions are becoming increasingly important for raw materials; on the other, in an era of conflicting power blocs, tariffs, and other trade barriers, raw materials are far from interchangeable. The further processing of raw materials also gives companies in the sector the opportunity to set themselves apart from the competition and generate unique selling points. Commodity? That was yesterday! We explain the current development using the examples of BHP Group, Power Metallic Mines, and BYD, and highlight the opportunities for investors.
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Commented by Nico Popp on August 25th, 2025 | 07:15 CEST
China boosts gold – Now insurers are joining in: Sranan Gold, China Life, Allianz
China is moving the markets. The latest China bombshell concerns gold. Starting this year, Chinese companies are required to invest 1% of their assets in physical gold. This change underscores the Chinese authorities' view that gold is a key anchor of stability for the financial system. Considering the huge capital reserves of Chinese insurers, up to USD 27 billion could flow into the gold market. Analysts are celebrating the additional institutional demand, and companies like China Life are showing strong cooperation. But the best news is yet to come for gold investors.
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Commented by Nico Popp on August 25th, 2025 | 07:05 CEST
New research findings – Cell metabolism relevant in cancer: Roche, Novartis, and Vidac Pharma
What if cancer cells no longer grew uncontrollably, and we could target the metabolism of these cells directly? The so-called Warburg effect makes this possible. Discovered around 100 years ago by Otto Warburg, the effect describes the energy metabolism of cancer cells and shows that their metabolism differs from that of healthy cells. This opens up great opportunities for specific therapies in biotechnology. The theoretical assumption is that if the metabolism of cancer cells can be specifically disrupted, treatment will be targeted and free of side effects. Biotech start-up Vidac Pharma is fully committed to the Warburg effect. We explain what the Canadians are researching and why the technology could complement the offerings of several large pharmaceutical companies.
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Commented by Nico Popp on August 22nd, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
Gold story remains intact – Three good ideas for every portfolio: Dryden Gold, Kinross Gold, and Barrick Mining
"Gold is money. Everything else is credit" – banker JP Morgan recognized this long ago. The precious metal is currently in high demand again. ETF investors in particular, but also central banks, are betting on gold. In July, global holdings in ETFs climbed to 3,639 tons, the highest level since August 2022. Central banks have purchased around 1,000 tons of gold annually over the past three years – about twice the amount they bought per year in the previous decade. This shows that demand from both private and professional investors remains unbroken. We present three promising gold stocks and explain where even speculative investors can get their money's worth.
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Commented by Nico Popp on August 22nd, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Raw materials as the key to greater value creation: SQM, Lynas Rare Earths, Almonty Industries
Equality is a social construct. Reality, however, is diverse. This also means that some companies are in a much better starting position than others. In free markets, companies compete for market leadership and thus spur each other on to become better. However, some companies are in pole position for a variety of reasons and also have a few extra horsepower than their competitors. We use the examples of lithium specialist SQM, rare earths company Lynas Rare Earths, and innovative tungsten specialist Almonty Industries to explain which characteristics promise long-term advantages for companies and how investors can benefit.
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Commented by Nico Popp on August 19th, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Ethiopia – The underestimated growth hotspot: WeBuild, Heineken, AJN Resources
Prejudices serve a purpose in the human psyche: they simplify things and help us process information more efficiently. But every now and then, we should take a critical look at our prejudices - especially when it comes to investing in Africa. Experts on the continent have always pointed out that each economy must be viewed on its own merits. Some countries have been making steady progress for years, and only the most astute investors are taking advantage of this. We take a look at Ethiopia and show that instead of suffering and misery, the country is increasingly offering stability and prosperity. It is no coincidence that major corporations like WeBuild, Heineken, and young innovators like AJN Resources are investing in this East African country.
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Commented by Nico Popp on August 18th, 2025 | 07:25 CEST
780% return thanks to expensive medicine: PanGenomic Health, CVS Health, Teladoc Health
Healthcare costs are skyrocketing. According to KFF, a leading US healthcare policy organization, the United States spent around USD 4.5 trillion on healthcare in 2022. That is equivalent to 17% of gross domestic product. Given the millions of Americans who, due to lack of insurance, opt for painkillers instead of visiting a dentist, that is a remarkable figure. KFF also reports that one in four Americans postponed medical treatment last year. In this complex environment, the importance of personal responsibility and self-therapy is growing. Companies are stepping in to address the situation and offer solutions. We present three business models and explain what opportunities they may hold for investors.
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Commented by Nico Popp on August 18th, 2025 | 07:15 CEST
What Trump's summit failure now means for silver: Silver North Resources, Raytheon Technologies, Hecla Mining
Peace? Ceasefire? Wishful thinking! The meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin ended on Friday in Alaska without any concrete results. This confirms what many observers had expected in the run-up to the meeting: a resolution is not likely anytime soon. Instead, the course of the meeting in Alaska shows that defense will remain a major issue for many decades to come. For the silver market, this could mean a significant supply shortage.
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