Global Shifts April 16, 2025: BOJ Cuts Forecast, Psychedelic Investment Soars, AI Models Advance, Tesla Faces Tariff Trouble

Stay ahead with April 16, 2025’s biggest headlines: BOJ slashes growth forecast amid U.S. tariffs, Beckley Psytech secures funding for breakthrough DMT treatment, OpenAI debuts GPT-4.1 lineup, Tesla’s EV supply chain is shaken, and cannabis reforms face new roadblocks. Explore key trends shaping the future of finance, tech, health, and policy.

BOJ to lower growth forecast amid U.S. tariffs

The Bank of Japan is expected to cut its fiscal 2025 GDP growth forecast from 1.1%, citing rising risks from U.S. President Trump’s tariffs on Japanese exports. While officials still aim for a 2% inflation target, they signal a possible pause in rate hikes when they release a revised outlook on May 1. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda emphasized ongoing support but noted policy flexibility depending on trade developments

Beckley Psytech draws fresh investment interest

Noetic Fund, one of Beckley Psytech’s early backers, is organizing a new financing round to raise up to $20 million at a $200 million pre‑money valuation. Beckley Psytech, spun out of the Beckley Foundation, is developing a fast‑acting intranasal 5‑MeO‑DMT spray for treatment‑resistant depression and alcohol use disorder, alongside a synthetic psilocin program for major depressive disorder. While talks are ongoing and no agreements are finalized, the round could push the company’s valuation as high as $220 million

Trade War Intensifies

U.S.-China trade war goes full throttle!
The conflict has expanded beyond tariffs into strategic technology sectors. New U.S. export controls require Nvidia and AMD to obtain licenses for selling advanced AI chips to China, triggering steep declines in chipmaker stocks. In retaliation, China has suspended Boeing aircraft deliveries and mail services, and gold surged to a record $3,300/oz as investors seek safe havens

Tesla’s U.S. production disrupted by tariffs

An exclusive report reveals that Trump’s tariffs on Chinese parts for Tesla’s Cybercab and Semi models are upending U.S. production plans. The levies have forced the company to reevaluate its supply chain timelines, potentially delaying deliveries and increasing costs for its electric vehicle lineup