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 May 1st, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Raw materials for the future: What Power Metallic Mines, Barrick Gold, and Albemarle offer investors
Whether for the energy transition, digitalization, or the infrastructure of tomorrow, the world's hunger for raw materials is growing. Power Metallic Mines, Barrick Gold, and Albemarle are prime examples of tomorrow's raw material suppliers – from classic exploration to specialty metals for the green transformation. The three business models are different, but where do the most significant opportunities lie for investors? We provide new answers!
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 30th, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
The future of digital content: MiMedia, Dropbox, and Amazon in the race for data sovereignty
Cloud services are simple and incredibly useful. Whether it is photos from past vacations, data from a long-term project from 2020, or the baking recipe Grandma sent us years ago via WhatsApp - all this information is now just a few swipes away. However, the more personal data we store online, the greater the risk. More and more customers are focusing on security. We look at the business models of cloud service providers MiMedia, Dropbox, and Amazon.
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 29th, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
The future of mobility: From driver's licenses to platform economies – 123fahrschule, BYD, Uber
The vehicle is still sacred to many people – anyone who has seen how intensely family fathers with 40-hour workweeks care for their vehicles during Saturday car washes knows this. But mobility is also changing: today, we like to use bicycles or e-scooters for short distances. In many cities around the world, mobility providers such as Uber have also made taxi rides affordable. We shed light on the future of mobility and show what BYD, Uber, and the young German company 123fahrschule have to do with it.
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 28th, 2025 | 07:05 CEST
Hope for German industry: Amazon, Cameco, and First Hydrogen
Political stock markets are short-lived, and the world keeps turning. Even if the current US administration is shaking this principle to its core, there are many indications that the trend toward green transformation will continue. A prime example: In Germany, the "Heating Act" is being loudly repealed, but its effects remain. Oil and gas are becoming increasingly expensive, and renewable solutions continue to be the preferred choice. The transformation is also progressing in industry – in the case of hydrogen specialist First Hydrogen, even more ambitiously than before.
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 25th, 2025 | 07:20 CEST
US biotechs under pressure – Where opportunities now lie: BioNTech, Pfizer, and Vidac Pharma
The biotech world is in turmoil. The dispute between US President Donald Trump and the elite Harvard University is just the tip of the iceberg – thousands of researchers in the US are upset about the interference in their academic freedom. Research funding is being cut because of supposedly incorrect wording in applications. Entire degree programs are being put on hold because they do not fit into the worldview of the new US administration. The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) is warning of dire consequences for the US economy. Is the United States losing its status as a biotech mecca?
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 24th, 2025 | 07:30 CEST
Germany Inc. as the last hope? Volkswagen, Bayer, Globex Mining
Germany's economy is facing its third consecutive year of contraction. The automotive industry is struggling with competition from China, and Bayer is grappling with past acquisitions, looming tariffs, and other challenges. Now, Bayer shareholders are even being asked to inject new capital. Is the German industry working with politicians to find long-term solutions? Not a chance! The days of Germany Inc. seem to be over. We look at how investors can seize opportunities in this complex situation.
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 23rd, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
The end of the dollar? Deutsche Bank, Newmont, and Desert Gold
The independence of the central bank is a valuable asset that is highly valued by investors. Once again, US President Donald Trump has shaken the independence of the Fed and raised the possibility of dismissing US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The reason: While the ECB cut interest rates on Maundy Thursday, Powell wants to wait and see how the tariffs affect the dollar zone before he adjusts interest rates. Powell's dismissal could have fatal consequences for the capital markets.
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 22nd, 2025 | 07:40 CEST
How hedge funds are now betting on gold: Amazon, Barrick Gold, and Golden Cariboo Resources
"Asset managers and hedge funds are seeking refuge in gold," read the headline in Handelsblatt in the week before Easter. But what is driving the rush for the precious metal? In addition to the considerable uncertainty surrounding the trade tariff dispute, investment professionals are also turning to safe havens due to growing geopolitical risks. But what options do investors have beyond coins and bars? We look at how investors can indirectly bet on the precious metal through stocks.
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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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