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 July 11th, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Think locally, benefit globally: JinkoSolar, Kontron, naoo
It is old news that decentralized solutions are better - those who understand how village communities were largely self-sufficient and supported each other complementarily just a few decades ago know the blueprint for economic success. Decentralized solutions have long played a key role in energy supply. The boom in private solar installations shows that resourceful property owners have recognized the potential. But other industries also benefit when complementary elements are brought together.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 10th, 2025 | 10:30 CEST
Breaking news: Volatus Aerospace secures $10 million in financing – analysis and background
Things are moving fast at Volatus Aerospace, the Canadian drone specialist for civil and military applications: Following two orders for drones and drone training from a NATO country, the Company has now secured growth financing. The Company announced overnight that it intends to raise up to CAD 10 million through a non-brokered “LIFE Offering.” This means that the new shares are not subject to any lock-up period. The financing will support expansion in the area of tactical ISR and logistics services and prepare for growth investments. The capital will thus flow into precisely those areas in which Volatus Aerospace has recently demonstrated its ability to win orders: military reconnaissance and logistics.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 10th, 2025 | 07:25 CEST
Small-cap disrupts billion-dollar market: Johnson & Johnson, Merck KGaA, and NetraMark
When it comes to making people healthy, progress is what matters most. New drugs must be better and safer than old ones. To ensure that these requirements are met, comprehensive testing procedures are carried out by drug regulatory authorities. However, despite ever-expanding knowledge and modern methods, almost 90% of clinical trials still fail. When considering that the development of a drug costs an average of USD 2.6 billion and usually takes more than ten years, it becomes clear what a risk biotech companies and pharmaceutical multinationals are taking. This is precisely where NetraMark's business model comes in, offering the entire industry unparalleled leverage.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 10th, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
German government kicks off hydrogen boost: Rheinmetall, thyssenkrupp, First Hydrogen
The German government is stepping on the hydrogen gas pedal: Simplified approvals and accelerated construction of electrolysers, import terminals, pipelines, and storage facilities are intended to make German industry fit for the future. Hydrogen is of "overriding public interest," according to a draft law obtained by the news agency dpa. This is good news for companies in the hydrogen economy that have gained momentum in recent years. Planning security can give the emerging industry the boost it needs, and it is essential for the transformation of German industry.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 8th, 2025 | 10:40 CEST
Breaking news: NATO order for Volatus Aerospace – Background and analysis
Volatus Aerospace, a drone specialist for reconnaissance and cargo transport, announced an order from a NATO country overnight. The Company delivered a drone system for short-range reconnaissance, valued at USD 1.85 million. Equipped with thermal imaging cameras and other visual sensors, the unmanned aerial vehicles can be deployed in all weather conditions and at any time of day or night. "This delivery underscores our ability to provide innovative and mission-ready technologies to support the defense operations of our allies," said Glen Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Volatus Aerospace. "As global conflicts evolve, the need for agile, battle-tested ISR capabilities is growing." The contract is particularly significant for Volatus Aerospace because it highlights the Company's ability to meet the growing demands of the expanding defense market for drones and unmanned aerial systems with its solutions.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 8th, 2025 | 07:15 CEST
Construction revolution! Saint-Gobain, Heidelberg Materials, Argo Graphene Solutions
Billions are being poured into infrastructure. Real estate portfolios in many economies are also in dire need of renovation, and what are many builders and project developers doing? Business as usual! However, those who are alert and recognize what is currently happening in the building materials industry can make better decisions, whether as builders or investors. The reason: innovative building materials improve construction and ensure returns. We explain how this works in this article. Also featured: two well-known companies and an insider tip.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 7th, 2025 | 07:15 CEST
Is this trend the next big thing? Hensoldt, BASF, Antimony Resources
Antimony is used in many high-tech applications, including the F-35 fighter jet. But as with tungsten, China also dominates the market for antimony. This unique semi-metal is found in the products of many German industrial companies. A young raw materials company from Canada is now preparing to produce antimony outside China and ensure security of supply. Following the recent release of outstanding drilling results, potential industrial partners are likely to be taking notice. How dependent are Hensoldt and BASF on antimony, and could Antimony Resources become the next Almonty?
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 4th, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
Biotech stocks with a safety net and double bottom: Vidac Pharma, BioNTech, and Gilead Sciences
For many years, biotech stocks were considered speculative bets on a single, all-important active ingredient. For seasoned biotech investors, it was once clear that there was little gray area between multiplication and total loss. But the biotech landscape has changed. Innovative technologies and modern processes ensure that even smaller biotech companies have several arrows in their quiver that can hit the mark. We explain what has changed in the biotech sector and what opportunities for collaboration could exist between BioNTech, Gilead Sciences, and Vidac Pharma.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 3rd, 2025 | 12:00 CEST
Breaking news: Reverse Stock Split at Almonty – Significance and Background
Tungsten producer Almonty Industries announced a reverse stock split on Thursday. Shares will be consolidated at a ratio of 1.5 to 1. Anyone who previously held 1,500 shares will hold 1,000 shares after the split. Fractional shares will be rounded down. For example, someone holding 149 shares will receive 99 new shares. The new shares will be traded under a new International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) starting July 7, 2025. The reverse split will not affect existing shareholders: while investors will hold fewer shares in their portfolios after the split, each share will be proportionally worth more. So why is a company like Almonty Industries carrying out such a measure in the first place?
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 3rd, 2025 | 07:45 CEST
Explosive atmosphere in the lithium triangle – Europe stands to benefit: Albemarle, European Lithium, Mercedes-Benz
Electric vehicles need lithium. However, it is not that easy to obtain. According to a report in Die Welt, two companies from China and Russia are currently encountering difficulties in Bolivia. The reason: indigenous peoples have launched a wave of protests and are doing everything they can to prevent lithium mining in the country. Germany had already failed with a similar initiative in Bolivia. The indigenous peoples along the border with Argentina see themselves as the sole and rightful owners of the "white gold." As a result, the "lithium triangle" between Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile, which is home to more than half of the world's lithium reserves, is increasingly becoming a no-go area for companies. We explain the alternatives available and who stands to benefit the most.
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