Today through Tuesday, the annual ASCO meeting takes place in Chicago, where the biotechnology industry reports on its progress in the field of oncology. In addition to industry giants such as $MRNA (-3,33 %) and $MRK (+0,72 %) , there will also be $RVMD (-2,67 %) which are a hot tip. Even more speculative, however, is the stock that has piqued my interest, namely $VSTM (-2,25 %) .

The small oncology specialist has already led a product to US approval with the combination therapy Avmapki Fakzynja. The drug is used as a late-line therapy for patients with KRAS mutated, recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). The company earned 18.7 million dollars with the therapy in the first quarter. However, Verastem's current focus is on a drug licensed from GenFleet Therapeutics: VS-7375. The US biotech company controls the rights outside mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The research duo is using the promising drug to target various solid tumors with a G12D mutation. Verastem and its Asian partner are primarily targeting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (by far the most common form of pancreatic cancer), non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Further results from VS-7375 will be presented at the ASCO meeting. If these are convincing, Verastem's shares certainly have potential.

I will therefore be picking up a few shares today in the USA after the market opens.

Today through Tuesday, the annual ASCO meeting takes place in Chicago, where the biotechnology industry reports on its progress in the field of oncology. In addition to industry giants such as $MRNA (-3,33 %) and $MRK (+0,72 %) , there will also be $RVMD (-2,67 %) which are a hot tip. Even more speculative, however, is the stock that has piqued my interest, namely $VSTM (-2,25 %) .

The small oncology specialist has already led a product to US approval with the combination therapy Avmapki Fakzynja. The drug is used as a late-line therapy for patients with KRAS mutated, recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). The company earned 18.7 million dollars with the therapy in the first quarter. However, Verastem's current focus is on an active ingredient licensed from GenFleet Therapeutics: VS-7375. The US biotech company controls the rights outside mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The research duo is using the promising drug to target various solid tumors with a G12D mutation. Verastem and its Asian partner are primarily targeting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (by far the most common form of pancreatic cancer), non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Further results from VS-7375 will be presented at the ASCO meeting. If these are convincing, Verastem's shares certainly have potential.

I will therefore be picking up a few shares in the USA today after the market opens.

Today through Tuesday, the annual ASCO meeting takes place in Chicago, where the biotechnology industry reports on its progress in the field of oncology. In addition to industry giants such as $MRNA (-3,33 %) and $MRK (+0,72 %) , there will also be $RVMD (-2,67 %) which are a hot tip. Even more speculative, however, is the stock that has piqued my interest, namely $VSTM (-2,25 %) .

The small oncology specialist has already led a product to US approval with the combination therapy Avmapki Fakzynja. The drug is used as a late-line therapy for patients with KRAS mutated, recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). The company earned 18.7 million dollars with the therapy in the first quarter. However, Verastem's current focus is on an active ingredient licensed from GenFleet Therapeutics: VS-7375. The US biotech company controls the rights outside mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The research duo is using the promising drug to target various solid tumors with a G12D mutation. Verastem and its Asian partner are primarily targeting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (by far the most common form of pancreatic cancer), non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Further results from VS-7375 will be presented at the ASCO meeting. If these are convincing, Verastem's shares certainly have potential.

I will therefore be picking up a few shares in the USA today after the market opens.

$RVMD (-2,67 %) I'm currently finding it a bit difficult to assess whether the move is already over or whether there is still further upside potential. Would you rather get in now or do you think it will cool down again first? I'm honestly unsure and would like to hear your opinion before I do anything.

That's my conclusion for my first 9 months on the stock market.

I am in my mid-40s and have always read a lot about the stock market, but have never dared to become active myself. Money was/is in the savings bank, has flowed into a home and two condominiums round off my retirement provision including a Riester pension.

My teenage son finally persuaded me to invest in the stock market at the beginning of the year. He sensed a quick buck to supplement his pocket money and I took the first steps.

As I also tend to gamble, I set myself clear rules at the beginning.

1. monthly savings plan on an ETF that is not touched

2. maximum amount for "gambling", this will not be increased. Initially with smaller contributions, gradually increased to the maximum amount over the course of the year.

What have I learned?

1. reading in advance was good, but actually trading with real money is something else

2. setting goals is important and helps to make decisions

3. don't be led by emotions or hype!

Here are a few examples of what I mean exactly.

I didn't define clear exit guidelines for myself and acted arbitrarily.

I was convinced of $INTC (-4,35 %) . Why? Because it is the only chip manufacturer in the USA. All the other big ones have their products made. I bought Intel very cheaply and sold it with a profit of around 40%. The rocket then went up and by now I would have more than doubled my investment.

I was convinced of $RVMD (-2,67 %) . Here, too, I sold with a 30% gain. Same story, after my sale the share rose and I had more than doubled my stake!

At the drop in October/November, I traded emotionally and sold a lot, sometimes with high losses. Today I know that was total nonsense.

Do the above examples annoy me? I would be lying if I said no. But it was important for me to have had the experience to act differently next time. Learn, learn, learn!

What are my goals for 2026?

Let's take a quick look back at the figures for 2025:

The ETF stands at +3.x percent. That's better than the savings bank

The share block stands at 8.x percent. In figures 850 euros. That's also more than with the savings bank 😜

What are my specific plans for this year?

-Increase the ETF block to 40,000 euros

-Define clear exit scenarios for the equity block (percentage gain)

-Generate 3000 euros through sales

-in 2027, a family vacation, 5000 euros, should come out of it

-Deal more intensively with the topic of derivatives and leverage and gain initial positive experience

-take another look at my Riester contract and find out more if necessary, it is currently dormant.

What do I plan to do in the next 5 years?

The condominiums will be sold as it is too labor-intensive. That will give the portfolio another nice boost.

I want to pay off my own home. That's ambitious, but feasible.

Continue to go on vacation with the family twice a year

Last but not least, many thanks to the forum here. I have read many interesting posts and even though I don't know anyone personally, I have learned to appreciate one or two of them. Many thanks for the numerous contributions and the answers to my questions and tips regarding shares!

Happy New Year to everyone! Above all, good health - you can't buy it on the stock market. Satisfaction with yourself. There is nothing better than not being stressed and being at peace with yourself. It's an easy way to live in the often stressful everyday/family life.