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 August 1st, 2025 | 07:05 CEST
Nickel as a strategic defense metal scarcer than expected: Lockheed Martin, Glencore, and Power Metallic Mines
Nickel is classified as a critical raw material in the EU. Yet many observers still fail to take the tense situation in the nickel market seriously — a major mistake. While there is currently an oversupply of nickel, forecasts are already predicting a future shortage. In addition, nickel comes in different grades. High-purity nickel comes largely from Russia, making supply anything but secure. Nickel is urgently needed for both modern batteries and in the defense sector. We take a look at the nickel market, explain where the metal is urgently needed, and introduce the two notable nickel stocks, Glencore and Power Metallic Mines.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 31st, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
Following in the footsteps of PayPal and Co.? Deutz and Veganz dare to spark a revolution
PayPal's share price climbed from USD 30 to over USD 260 in just four years – but what fueled the hype between 2016 and 2021? PayPal was perceived as a driver of innovation. Even back then, the market praised its significant market position and potential opportunities, for example, in cryptocurrencies. Just a few days ago, PayPal finally rolled out crypto payments within its platform. However, the market had already anticipated this move years ago. This shows that companies that the market believes will continue to innovate often receive advance praise in the form of sharply rising share prices. In addition to PayPal, we present two other innovation drivers of today that could become the new darlings of the markets.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 31st, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Who benefits from the customs agreement? Volkswagen, BASF, and Globex Mining
Is the customs agreement between the US and the EU a warning shot, as German Economics Minister Katherina Reiche says, or will the tariffs strike German industry at its core? The public debate about the customs deal, which includes 15% tariffs on EU goods, is in full swing. We examine the risks using the example of industrial giants Volkswagen and BASF and show that the agreement also has clear winners – Globex Mining's business model is ideally suited to the uncertain situation and could soon bring investors substantial returns.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 30th, 2025 | 07:25 CEST
Green returns – From stock market stars to comeback hopes: dynaCERT, Siemens, Schneider Electric
The economy is under pressure. The effects of the tariff deal between the EU and the US are now compounding existing risks, such as geopolitical tensions and low productivity in Germany. One might assume that initiatives for greater sustainability and lower CO2 emissions would fall by the wayside in the current environment. However, there are business models that are both green and offer clear prospects for returns. We present Siemens, Schneider Electric, and dynaCERT.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 29th, 2025 | 07:30 CEST
Drone hype: Who is getting the best deal? Volatus Aerospace, Renault, Rheinmetall
The days of tanks and howitzers are over. The war in Ukraine shows that drones are changing the face of combat—they provide reconnaissance, carry out precision strikes, and score points with low acquisition costs and high effectiveness. It is no wonder that major arms manufacturers and industrial companies want to jump on the drone bandwagon. Renault has even been asked by the French government to enter the business. But the barriers to entry in this market are high. We explain who is likely to profit from the drone business in the future and why size and capital are no guarantee of long-term success.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 29th, 2025 | 07:20 CEST
Study reveals AI catch-up gap among pharmaceutical giants: Opportunities for Roche, Pfizer, and NetraMark?
Many observers believe that AI will revolutionize the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. A study by market researchers at Coherent Solutions now reveals the full picture: the market for biotechnology AI is projected to grow from USD 2.6 billion today to USD 12.8 billion by 2035. This corresponds to an annual growth rate of 18.8%. The report also shows how the industry's major players are preparing for the change. Since the "AI Readiness Index" calculated by the analysts paints a very complex picture, the opportunities for specialized AI investments are significant. We take a closer look at the Coherent Solutions study and introduce a business model poised to revolutionize pharmaceutical research and offer opportunities for investors.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 28th, 2025 | 07:20 CEST
Hydrogen in Germany – Who will solve the "chicken and egg problem"? Pure Hydrogen, thyssenkrupp, NEL
Germany aims to achieve climate neutrality within twenty years. Hydrogen plays a crucial role in making industry more sustainable. However, as a recent article in Focus magazine shows, Germany has a "chicken and egg problem" when it comes to hydrogen. Planning security is needed to drive the necessary investment in hydrogen infrastructure. But industry is still hesitant, especially in uncertain times; no one wants to stick their neck out too far. This, in turn, does not provide an environment conducive to launching essential prerequisites, such as pipelines, storage facilities, or decentralized electrolysers. What does the future hold for Germany as a hydrogen location? Which stocks could benefit?
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 25th, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Key technology in the fight against cancer? Merck & Co., Vidac Pharma, AstraZeneca
Do you know what aerobic glycolysis is? No? Have you ever heard of the Warburg effect? Both terms describe the same phenomenon: cancer cells utilize glucose to produce lactate, even in the presence of oxygen and fully functional mitochondria. This is what distinguishes cancer cells from healthy cells. Current research suggests that targeted interventions in the Warburg effect could be suitable for killing cancer cells or making them more receptive to other therapies. Companies around the world are pushing forward research into this effect – the goal is nothing less than curing cancer. We present some of the companies and analyze whether their stocks could be good investments.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 24th, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
No high-tech without tungsten – This bottleneck brings returns: Almonty, Siemens Healthineers, Intel
Tungsten is known as a defense metal due to its hardness and heat resistance. But it is also one of the invisible drivers of the high-tech industry. Using examples from medical technology and chip manufacturing, we explain why tungsten is rightly considered a key element in the future of raw material supply. We also venture a long-term outlook on the potential of tungsten producer Almonty Industries' stock.
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Commented by Nico Popp on July 23rd, 2025 | 07:00 CEST
Banking crash ahead? Consultant warns of credit crunch! Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, Sranan Gold
Stress test success does not guarantee safety. Banks in the US are currently scoring well with good quarterly figures, and stress tests, which used to be a hurdle, have long since lost their terror. However, Yerbol Orynbayev, former Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, warns that if the regulation of large banks is scaled back in the wake of the stress tests passed in June and the positive quarterly figures, this could weaken regional banks and ultimately trigger a credit crunch. Orynbayev works as a consultant in the financial sector and has been living in the US since 2017.
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