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 October 3rd, 2025 | 07:20 CEST
The Bitcoin Revolution – Now it is time to leverage! Nakiki, Capital B, Bitcoin Group
Bitcoin is a perennial favorite – for years, the world's most well-known cryptocurrency has been on an upward trajectory. Due to the coin's unalterable design, the maximum number of new Bitcoins is limited. Unlike traditional currencies, which are regularly inflated by central banks, the supply of Bitcoin increases ever more slowly until it eventually stabilizes at a predetermined level. This is another reason why the best-known cryptocurrency is considered an optimal asset class for preserving wealth and investing independently of the traditional financial system. There are now a number of companies that have built lucrative business models by converting central bank money into Bitcoin. We present three stocks and take a closer look at the newcomer, Nakiki.
ReadCommented by Nico Popp on October 2nd, 2025 | 07:15 CEST
Graphite problem solvers with small valuation: SGL Carbon, Mercedes-Benz, Graphano Energy
Battery-grade graphite is classified as a critical element in both the US and the EU. The reason: supply chains have been too dependent on China. Recent geopolitical shifts have caused decision-makers on both sides of the Atlantic to rethink their approach to graphite and other critical raw materials. Secure sources are now in high demand. At the same time, sustainability and environmental protection remain key requirements for projects. In this article, we explain the latest developments in the graphite market and how investors can benefit from them.
ReadCommented by Nico Popp on October 2nd, 2025 | 07:05 CEST
What billions for space mean for drones: Volatus Aerospace, Hensoldt, Airbus
Things are happening in Germany! The federal government recently approved comprehensive investments in space. Experts agree that Germany is on a par with the US when it comes to space research. While partners across the Atlantic usually act faster and on a larger scale, Germany is now set to take a bolder approach: a hefty EUR 35 billion is to be invested in space security. This move positions Germany as a space power, leaving even the French and British in the dust. We take a look at what these investments mean and why the commitment to space should be seen as part of the bigger picture.
ReadCommented by Nico Popp on October 1st, 2025 | 07:15 CEST
The stock for the Dubai boom: Emirates NBD, Finexity, eToro
Dubai is increasingly establishing itself as a global hub for financial innovation. The city combines growth-oriented policies with open regulatory conditions, allowing foreigners to purchase real estate, for example. At the same time, Dubai is promoting blockchain and the tokenization of assets. In 2021, the Dubai Land Authority launched a pilot project for blockchain-based real estate tokenization to enable fractional ownership and give international investors access to this asset class. In this article, we explain the business models surrounding Dubai, tokens, and the future of investing, and why a company from Hamburg is causing a stir.
ReadCommented by Nico Popp on September 30th, 2025 | 07:25 CEST
Is the industrial heart of Europe dying? Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, AJN Resources
Uncertainty in Germany is greater than ever: Increasingly, companies in the automotive industry are cutting jobs. According to industry experts at EY, around 51,100 jobs were lost in the automotive industry within a year, corresponding to around 7% of all jobs. Companies in other sectors are also making cuts. Most recently, Lufthansa also laid off staff. This bad news is accompanied by a worrying mood of doom and gloom among the German population – especially in the traditionally wealthy southwest of the country. In this article, we explain how the industrial giants Porsche and Mercedes-Benz are faring and why more and more investors are turning their attention to gold stocks as a result.
ReadCommented by Nico Popp on September 30th, 2025 | 07:05 CEST
Suriname set to become a growth champion! Sranan Gold, Newmont, TotalEnergies
There are many emerging economies. However, Suriname has some decisive advantages: the Guiana Shield rock formation runs through the country and offers ideal conditions, especially for companies in the gold sector. At the same time, Suriname is synonymous with oil – a giant oil field developed by TotalEnergies in collaboration with a local partner is set to go into production in 2028. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that Suriname's economy will grow by around 55% in the year production begins – reason enough to take a closer look at the country from an investor's perspective and highlight the opportunities it offers.
ReadCommented by Nico Popp on September 29th, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
More than defense - How Almonty's tungsten makes AI chips from Intel and Micron possible
Tungsten is considered a critical metal worldwide—the defense industry in particular cannot do without it. But tungsten is also a high-tech metal. Without this element, which only melts at 3,400 degrees Celsius, has low resistance, and offers extremely high electrical conductivity, computer chips would not exist. The AI boom would be unthinkable without tungsten – the many data centers currently springing up around the world could not be built. We show how companies from the chip industry, such as Intel and Micron, are securing their supply and explain why Almonty is a blessing for the chip industry.
ReadCommented by Nico Popp on September 26th, 2025 | 07:30 CEST
AI is conquering increasingly more areas: SAP and Amazon are targeting small and mid-sized businesses, while NetraMark is winning over the biotech industry
Will AI become our new god? This question is currently being explored in depth by the German philosopher Markus Gabriel in a well-known German podcast. And although the question may cause unease for many, Gabriel's conclusions are ultimately anything but pessimistic. SAP and Amazon are also looking to the future with optimism: Together with OpenAI, they are now building an AI infrastructure in Germany. The goal: to enable public authorities and companies to use the latest AI tools in a legally compliant manner, without European data leaving the continent. The initiative demonstrates that AI will conquer many more areas in the coming years. One of these areas is medical research. The innovative company NetraMark is using its AI solution to deliver faster results and lower costs for future-focused projects, such as the fight against cancer.
ReadCommented by Nico Popp on September 26th, 2025 | 07:20 CEST
One-stop shop – Battery metals from a single source: Umicore, BASF, Power Metallic Mines
Anyone who is often in a rush knows the challenge after work: just a quick trip to the store. In such cases, we usually head to our trusted supermarket, where we can find all the products we need in one place. The same principle applies in mining. Complex products, such as modern high-performance batteries for electric vehicles, require a wide range of metals. Polymetallic deposits are therefore in particularly high demand – they are like the familiar neighborhood supermarket for industrial customers. We explain why Power Metallic Mines has the potential to become a one-stop shop for potential major customers such as Umicore and BASF.
ReadCommented by Nico Popp on September 23rd, 2025 | 07:10 CEST
The AI doctor in your pocket: PanGenomic Health, Bayer, CVS Health
Healthcare costs are a pressing political issue worldwide - in Germany, for example, debates are resurfacing over co-payments and the requirement to see a general practitioner first. This drives more people to self-medicate. The situation is even more extreme in the US: without mandatory insurance and facing extremely high healthcare costs, almost 9% of the population is uninsured, and around 33% is underinsured, leading many citizens to turn to alternative solutions. We examine business models related to increasing personal responsibility in healthcare, with a special focus on a smaller-cap stock.
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