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 16th, 2025 | 07:35 CET
AI and energy hunger: Why Microsoft, Cameco, and American Atomics are part of a megatrend
Artificial intelligence is not only changing the way we work, but also posing enormous challenges for the physical infrastructure of the global economy. Data centers for AI applications require round-the-clock power, a so-called base load that renewable energy such as solar and wind cannot consistently provide due to their volatility. And the response of the major tech companies to this problem - nuclear power! This is currently leading to a historic reassessment of the entire nuclear value chain. We present three companies positioned to benefit from this energy megatrend: Microsoft, Cameco, and American Atomics.
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Commented by Nico Popp on December 15th, 2025 | 07:05 CET
The Wall Street leverage: What Bank of America's entry really means for Almonty - the MP Materials blueprint
Capital on the stock market is not all the same. There is "dumb" money that chases short-term trends, and there is "smart" money that actually shapes markets. The alliance between Almonty Industries and Bank of America is therefore far more than a simple financing round. It is an institutional seal of approval that, via access to the wealth management arm Merrill, opens the door to US private capital and enables a re-rating. Analysts such as D.A. Davidson had already confirmed this potential before the most recent capital increase with the high-profile lead bookrunner, issuing concrete price targets of USD 12 and pointing to massive revenue growth through 2028.
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Commented by Nico Popp on December 12th, 2025 | 07:15 CET
US banks declare a golden age: JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Kobo Resources and the maximum leverage
Wall Street's gold price forecasts for 2026 are unusually clear. Both JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs have raised their price targets significantly and see the precious metal on the verge of a historic breakout. But while the big banks primarily manage their business through volume and hedging, the market offers additional opportunities for speculative investors. Small explorers like Kobo Resources could become particularly interesting precisely because the big institutional players have not yet invested here.
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Commented by Nico Popp on December 11th, 2025 | 07:10 CET
Pasinex, thyssenkrupp, Umicore: How industry and smart mining are benefiting from zinc's comeback
Zinc leads a shadowy existence in many investors' portfolios – unjustifiably so. While lithium, rare earths, and copper are often hailed as the only raw materials of the future, a quiet but significant shift is taking place in the zinc market. Zinc is essential for modern infrastructure, indispensable for the energy transition and the refinement of steel. We shed light on why zinc should now be back on the watch list and how three completely different players, thyssenkrupp, Umicore and Pasinex Resources, are accompanying this dynamic.
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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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