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 March 30th, 2026 | 08:00 CEST
Drone Warfare Redefines Security: Challenges for Rheinmetall and AeroVironment – Laggard Volatus Aerospace
The global security architecture has collapsed—where there was once stability, there is now chaos. Or do we seriously believe the US would still support NATO in the event of a defense crisis? At the same time, technological innovation is accelerating: what once began as experimental reconnaissance technology has evolved into a decisive factor in modern warfare - drones. A look at Eastern Europe illustrates the magnitude of this turning point. According to calculations by Reuters, Ukraine recently succeeded in putting up to 40% of Russia's oil export capacity out of commission through the use of drones. This military success is costing the Russian state budget billions. At the same time, Ukraine is emerging as a global exporter of drone technology and expertise. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently confirmed the deployment of military experts to the Middle East to assist countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar in defending against drone attacks. Germany is also upgrading its capabilities, as conventional air defense systems are reaching their limits. Major corporations such as Rheinmetall and AeroVironment are positioning themselves in this market, which, according to forecasts by Global Industry Analysts, is expected to reach a volume of over USD 58 billion by the end of 2026. However, the most compelling leverage for investors is offered by the up-and-coming Canadian company Volatus Aerospace.
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Commented by Nico Popp on March 27th, 2026 | 09:15 CET
Gold as a Last Resort? Risks at Blackstone, Core Investment in Barrick Mining, and Top Opportunity in Lahontan Gold
The financial markets are at a critical juncture. While the global economy has long hoped for a soft landing, warning signs from the private credit market and record global debt of around USD 350 trillion are revealing the fragility of the credit-based system. According to data from the World Gold Council (WGC), total demand for gold exceeded the 5,000-ton mark for the first time in 2025. This drove the total volume of the gold market to USD 555 billion, representing a 45% increase. While this development is also due to rising prices, it is nonetheless impressive. Even after the recent correction, the precious metal remains in demand: central banks purchased around 863 tons in 2025, while index funds absorbed 801 tons. Analysts at JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs raised their price targets, in some cases above the USD 6,000 mark. In this complex landscape, the connections between the financial industry and precious metals become particularly interesting. While giants like Blackstone grapple with mounting challenges, mining companies such as Barrick Mining are benefiting from the flight to tangible assets. However, the standout opportunity for investors lies with the explorer Lahontan Gold, which impresses with a largely crisis-resilient business model.
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Commented by Nico Popp on March 27th, 2026 | 07:30 CET
Gold as a System Anchor: Desert Gold as a Hidden Opportunity, Challenges at Blue Owl Capital and Newmont
The global financial architecture is undergoing a period of profound change. While stock markets appear resilient thanks to AI, alarming imbalances are emerging in the credit sector and government budgets. Global debt has reached the USD 340 trillion mark, which is roughly three to four times the world's economic output. In this complex landscape, gold is proving its role as a store of value: data from the World Gold Council (WGC) shows that demand exceeded the 5,000-ton mark for the first time last year. Even after temporary sell-offs, the precious metal remains in extremely high demand, with central banks from China, India, and Poland acting as buyers. Forecasts from renowned financial institutions see the gold price returning to above the USD 6,000 mark in the medium term. While warning signs from the private credit market are driving investors toward established producers like Newmont, second-tier stocks are also coming into focus. For risk-conscious investors, Desert Gold offers attractive leverage.
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Commented by Nico Popp on March 26th, 2026 | 07:15 CET
Defense Industry Under Stress: Bottlenecks at Rheinmetall and Lockheed – Almonty Industries Stands to Reap the Benefits
The war in the Middle East is exposing the vulnerability of the global security architecture. While the US-led coalition's military operations against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury, continue, US President Donald Trump's erratic communication is causing extreme uncertainty among military planners. In rapid succession, reports from the White House oscillate between triumphant declarations of victory, the announcement of American ground troops, and, shortly thereafter, the prospect of peace negotiations. This unpredictability collides with an alarming reality: even the arsenals of the world's greatest military power are emptying at a rapid pace. The massive use of precision weapons starkly reveals that the global arms industry is simply not equipped for intense wars of attrition or a further escalation of global tensions following the collapse of the existing world order. The real bottleneck in the arms industry is not a lack of government budgets, but the critical raw materials at the beginning of the supply chain. As a result, the market for tungsten and the producer Almonty Industries are coming into focus for investors. A unique opportunity beckons.
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Commented by Nico Popp on March 26th, 2026 | 07:00 CET
What Makes NEO Battery Materials Unique – Drone Defense and Technological Sovereignty: Competing with DroneShield and Amprius
The German Armed Forces are ramping up investments in drone technology, while Ukraine is supporting Middle Eastern countries in strengthening their drone defense capabilities. Small, highly mobile interceptor drones are increasingly becoming the system of choice. At the core of these platforms are batteries, which determine range, climb rate, and payload—and are therefore mission-critical for successful interception. However, supply chains reveal a structural vulnerability: China currently dominates around 80% of global battery production and its critical precursors. This is where the Canadian-South Korean company NEO Battery Materials comes into play. The company is developing high-performance silicon anodes independent of Chinese supply chains and is collaborating with industrial partners such as Taesung and Korea Zinc to scale production. We outline the advantages this solution offers over competitors like Amprius Technologies and explore why vertical integration is crucial and why NEO's batteries can enhance the performance of existing drone systems without requiring major redesigns.
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Commented by Nico Popp on March 25th, 2026 | 09:40 CET
Data Ecosystems of the Future: Aspermont, a Newcomer, Follows in the Footsteps of S&P Global and Wolters Kluwer
Specialized professional information is the most profitable business model in the knowledge economy. In a world shaped by technological disruption and geopolitical tensions, simply providing information is no longer enough. The trend is toward decision-making architectures in which proprietary content is monetized through artificial intelligence (AI) and converted into recurring subscription revenue (XaaS). In other words, valuable information at the touch of a button that makes current decisions easier. Studies by the consulting firm McKinsey confirm that data has long since become a kind of asset class for companies. Corporations such as S&P Global Market Intelligence and Wolters Kluwer have already successfully pursued this path and are traded as established blue-chips with correspondingly high valuation metrics. The small-cap company Aspermont is following this exact formula for success, though it is still in an early phase by comparison. As the ongoing commodities boom fuels numerous new project activity and Aspermont attracts fresh capital following its reverse stock split, the company is increasingly coming into focus.
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Commented by Nico Popp on March 25th, 2026 | 07:25 CET
Copper and PGMs as Strategic Bottlenecks: Is Power Metallic Mines Coming into Focus for Rio Tinto, Lundin Mining, and Others?
The energy transition and the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure have ushered in a new era in the commodities sector. Copper and platinum group metals (PGMs) have become increasingly expensive. The copper market hit a record high of over USD 14,500/t in January of this year. The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns of a significant supply deficit that could reach about 30% of demand by 2035. While capital expenditures in the sector remain well below their peak, demand is exploding due to artificial intelligence (AI) and new data centers. Industry giants such as Rio Tinto are positioning themselves through capital-intensive large-scale projects, while Lundin Mining is investing billions to scale up production in South America. For investors, however, the focus is increasingly shifting toward the quality and jurisdiction of new discoveries. This is where Power Metallic Mines comes into the spotlight: the explorer has identified a polymetallic system in the Canadian province of Québec that significantly exceeds the average grades of major producers, making the company a highly attractive takeover candidate.
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Commented by Nico Popp on March 24th, 2026 | 07:15 CET
Energy Crisis Escalates: A.H.T. Syngas Comes to the Rescue of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses – Haffner and Vow Position Themselves
The escalation of the war in the Middle East and the de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are putting energy supply chains and the raw materials they depend on to the test. Since approximately 20% of global LNG trade flows through the strait, European natural gas prices have skyrocketed to record levels. The Dutch TTF benchmark reached a level of over EUR 90 per MWh in early March - a threefold increase within a few days that threatens the upturn in the manufacturing sector. In this market environment, the spotlight is turning to companies that offer immediately available, decentralized solutions for energy self-sufficiency. While many corporations are still stuck in long-term planning for a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure, players like Haffner Energy and Vow are driving niche solutions for heavy industry and logistics. For medium-sized industrial companies, however, A.H.T. Syngas Technology offers a promising solution. Investors should recognize the dependence on global supply chains and bet on companies that are smartly tackling high energy costs.
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Commented by Nico Popp on March 23rd, 2026 | 07:35 CET
Silver Shortage Drives the Market: Why Silver Viper Is Significantly More Dynamic Than Fresnillo and Pan American Silver
The silver market is currently reaching its capacity limits. A supply deficit that has persisted for six years, totaling 820 million ounces by the start of this year, is being met with record demand. Key drivers include photovoltaics, electric mobility, and the rapid expansion of data infrastructure. Solar energy alone consumed around 448 million ounces in the first half of 2025, as new cell types require more silver. This drove the price above USD 100 per troy ounce. Against this backdrop, market leaders such as Fresnillo and Pan American Silver must replace their dwindling reserves in established mining regions like Mexico with high-quality resources. This hunger for resources directly impacts companies at the beginning of the value chain. Agile explorers controlling projects in close proximity to existing infrastructure are coming into focus. One such example is Silver Viper Minerals, which is strategically positioned within the Mexican silver sector through its acquisition of the Coneto project and the involvement of Fresnillo as a key shareholder. We highlight the opportunities for investors.
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Commented by Nico Popp on March 20th, 2026 | 08:25 CET
Decarbonization of Heavy Industry: Challenges for thyssenkrupp and BASF – CHAR Technologies as a Solution Provider
Heavy industry faces technological hurdles in the race to meet climate targets. The full implementation of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in January of this year is exacerbating the economic conditions. Decarbonizing the steel and chemical industries is proving complex, as these sectors require carbon not only as an energy source but also as an essential reducing agent and raw material. While European corporations like thyssenkrupp are focusing on hydrogen-based direct reduction plants, dependence on coke in existing blast furnaces persists. BASF is simultaneously advancing chemical recycling through pyrolysis oils, but faces scaling hurdles. This bottleneck brings the beginning of the recycling chain into focus: without the massive use of biochar as a substitute for metallurgical coal, the goals can hardly be achieved. CHAR Technologies is closing this supply gap with its high-temperature pyrolysis technology, has secured ArcelorMittal as an investor, and is positioning itself as a supplier to industry.
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