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 December 10th, 2025 | 07:05 CET
Second hydrogen wave with Linde, BASF, dynaCERT: Why 2026 will be the year of truth
fundamentally from the hype cycles of 2020 and 2021. Back then, enthusiasm was driven largely by visionary PowerPoint presentations rather than real-world progress. The transition to 2026, however, marks the start of a new industrial reality. Investors who have followed the sector for years now recognize a clear shift in market dynamics - one based less on hope and more on regulatory certainty and technological maturity. As Der Aktionär correctly notes, a new tailwind is emerging for industry. We explain what improved framework conditions and the market launch of large-scale plants in Europe could mean for the shares of Linde, BASF, and dynaCERT.
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Commented by Nico Popp on December 9th, 2025 | 07:05 CET
Attacking the fuel that feeds tumors: Why Roche, Pfizer, and Vidac Pharma are redefining oncology
Modern cancer therapy is no longer about blunt-force attacks, but rather precise, targeted interventions. While oncology in recent decades has been dominated by non-specific cell toxins, today's research resembles surgical intervention in the biological software of a disease. Industry heavyweights, Roche and Pfizer, are securing their market positions with gigantic portfolios of immunotherapies. But away from the corporate headquarters of Basel and New York, agile biotech pioneers are working on approaches that attack the very foundation of cancer cells: their energy supply. Those who pull the plug on cancer cells could be among the big winners in the biotech sector in 2026.
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Commented by Nico Popp on December 8th, 2025 | 07:00 CET
True sustainability in the portfolio: JinkoSolar, Nordex, and the smart niche player RE Royalties
"Green" is no longer a mark of quality on the stock market, but rather a minimum requirement. However, those who mindlessly invest in anything with a solar panel or wind turbine in its logo will often have learned a costly lesson by 2025. The sector is becoming more differentiated: on the one hand, the industrial heavyweights are struggling with price wars and supply chains. On the other hand, specialized financiers are emerging who are closing precisely these gaps and often operating more profitably than the manufacturers themselves. Anyone seeking real returns must now make a clear selection: between mass-market players, turnaround candidates, and intelligent niche specialists.
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Commented by Nico Popp on December 8th, 2025 | 07:00 CET
Even in times of peace, these defense stocks have a future: NEO Battery Materials, Hensoldt, DroneShield
There is a lot at stake for Ukraine these days: Will there be a dictated peace, will the war continue, or is a long-term viable solution in sight after all? Some defense stocks have fallen in recent weeks. However, regardless of the current peace negotiations, it looks as if Europe in particular will have to invest heavily in military capabilities in the coming years. We explain why and present some exciting stocks.
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Commented by Nico Popp on December 5th, 2025 | 07:00 CET
Siemens Energy, Deutsche Bank, Almonty: Why 2025 belonged to the tankers – and 2026 will be the year of the speedboats
There are years on the stock market that are remembered for decades. 2025 was one such year. It was the year the old economy made its comeback. Who would have thought 12 months ago that a former DAX turnaround candidate would outperform tech stocks? Or that a major German bank would suddenly be viewed as a highly attractive core investment? The scoreboard does not lie: the big tankers delivered. However, stock market history rarely repeats itself exactly. While many blue chips are now trading at high valuations and no longer offer much upside potential, experienced investors are already positioning themselves for the next cycle. A presentation at the International Investment Forum (IIF) on Wednesday provided a decisive clue as to where the momentum may shift in 2026.
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Commented by Nico Popp on December 4th, 2025 | 07:05 CET
Hype fades, substance remains: Why Bank of America, Commerzbank, and Nakiki are now winners
"The tide lifts all boats, but it is only at low tide that you can see who is swimming without swimming trunks." This stock market bon mot from Warren Buffett perfectly describes the current state of the crypto market. While Bitcoin is stabilizing after its volatile phase and reaching a new stage of maturity, speculative bubbles are bursting at the edges - the best example: American Bitcoin from the Trump universe. Investors increasingly understand that quality is what matters when it comes to blockchain. We present financial stocks with substance that also exude crypto fantasy.
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Commented by Nico Popp on December 4th, 2025 | 06:55 CET
How suppliers like Aspermont, CATL, and Continental turn the world's complexity into profit
"During a gold rush, don't sell shovels - sell treasure maps." In a world driven by technological disruption, geopolitical tensions, and the trend toward decarbonization, investors need to think one step ahead. Often, it is not the end manufacturers who benefit most, but the specialized suppliers and service providers operating behind the scenes. They take the complexity off their customers' hands – whether it is building an electric vehicle, optimizing tyre compounds, or deciding where to build the next billion-dollar mine. Those who understand this principle will find exciting options on the stock market right now. We present three companies.
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Commented by Nico Popp on November 26th, 2025 | 07:00 CET
Two new mines in 12 months – Analysts give the thumbs up: Almonty, MP Materials, Rheinmetall
The rush for shares in defense and strategic metals drove prices in 2025. However, the market also gave premature praise. In the case of companies such as MP Materials and Rheinmetall in particular, the market has already anticipated many future revenues. Tungsten producer Almonty Industries is also one of the stock market winners of the year. However, the difference between Almonty and other stocks in the critical metals sector that have risen sharply is that Almonty will also be making a significant operational impact in 2025. The Sangdong mine in South Korea is considered a groundbreaking project for the supply of critical raw materials. The last time a mine of this size went into production was in the 1970s. What opportunities does this mega-project offer investors?
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Commented by Nico Popp on November 25th, 2025 | 07:30 CET
Is the next super mine emerging here? Power Metallic Mines, Vale, Rio Tinto
History has shown what happens when resource properties turn into super mines. Many projects developed or acquired by companies such as Vale or Rio Tinto, for example, have been in production for many years and generate enormous returns. The Canadian company Power Metallic Mines, active in the province of Québec, has also been able to continuously expand its NISK project in recent years. Now, the team led by CEO Terry Lynch sees even more potential there. Here, we discuss what gigantic raw material discoveries can mean and why Power Metallic Mines' polymetallic deposit is considered particularly interesting.
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Commented by Nico Popp on November 25th, 2025 | 07:15 CET
Crisis investments – Why anything can happen today: AJN Resources, Newmont, B2Gold
Volatility is increasing – and not just on the capital markets. Geopolitically, and even in German domestic politics, which is actually relatively calm by international standards, completely new developments are suddenly conceivable. When the range of possibilities expands so dramatically on many levels, uncertainty grows. Ten years ago, the US withdrawal from NATO would have been a gradual process, but today, Trump and his ministers are making their intentions abundantly clear. Investors should protect themselves against these new eventualities and consider gold as an investment.
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