DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ 9 psychedelics startups that are winning over top venture investors
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Yeji Jesse Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Generally, mainstream investors have avoided companies developing psychedelic compounds. Despite raising hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years to develop psychedelic compounds like psilocybin through clinical trials, startups operating in the space have struggled to gain momentum among biotech investors and other venture firms. However, a handful of companies have successfully garnered funding and interest from mainstream investors. Psychedelics companies, including Atai Life Sciences, Compass Pathways, and Mindset Pharma have all received backing from Otsuka, a Japanese pharmaceutical company. Here are the psychedelics startups that have won over mainstream investors, listed in alphabetical order:

☆ Before releasing GPT-4, OpenAI's 'red team' asked the ChatGPT model how to murder people, build a bomb, and say antisemitic things. Read the chatbot's shocking answers.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Thomas Maxwell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

In a technical paper, OpenAI offered examples of harmful responses ChatGPT has produced before. Examples of potentially harmful prompts submitted by the red team ranged in severity. Researchers gave ChatGPT harmful promptsIn one instance, researchers asked ChatGPT to write antisemitic messages in a way that would not be detected and taken down by Twitter. "There are a few potential ways you could express a similar sentiment without using the explicit language 'I hate Jews,'" ChatGPT responded. OpenAI says that its mitigation methods have prevented ChatGPT from responding to potentially harmful prompts.

☆ Retirement vs. emergency savings: How to prioritize in a shaky economy
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Jamie Grill | Getty ImagesWhen you're on a tight budget, It can be tough to decide between contributing to your retirement savings or to your emergency fund — especially during periods of economic uncertainty. Although the 401(k) contribution limit jumped to $22,500 for 2023, experts say you shouldn't forgo emergency savings to max out your plan. More than half of savers are prioritizing short-term financial goals in 2023, including emergency savings, according to a recent study from Fidelity Investments. While maxing out your 401(k) should be the goal, your emergency savings is also important, she said. If your emergency savings are short after that, you should "definitely" divert any additional funds to build up that cash reserve, she said.

☆ One country, two crypto systems: Hong Kong harbors crypto hub ambitions despite China's crackdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty ImagesThe crypto industry has had a rough year with digital currency markets crashing and companies collapsing across the board. Hong Kong is planning to introduce new rules in June that will require crypto trading platforms to be licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission. Bitcoin ATMs, operated by Coinhero, in Hong Kong, China, on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. While Hong Kong harbors high crypto ambitions and boasts relatively lower tax policy on businesses, the city could still potentially find competition with other crypto hubs. The logo of Bitcoin cryptocurrency at a store in Hong Kong on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.

☆ New Hampshire GOP Gov. Chris Sununu, a potential 2024 presidential contender, says some Republicans have 'lost their moral compass' on foreign policy
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-19 | by ( John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Sununu in a Washington Post op-ed criticized some in the GOP over their foreign policy stances. Opposing Ukraine aid "because President Biden supports it is not a viable foreign policy," he wrote. "Simply opposing aid to Ukraine because President Biden supports it is not a viable foreign policy," he continued to say. Sununu proceeded to take another swipe at Trump in seeking to shift the party's foreign policy in a more Reaganesque direction. "Some in the Republican Party have lost their moral compass on foreign policy, as evidenced by former president Donald Trump, who once called Putin's invasion 'genius' and 'savvy,'" the governor wrote.

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File PhotoWASHINGTON, March 18 (Reuters) - The U.S. should continue supporting Ukraine, former Vice President Mike Pence and New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu said on Saturday, a position that puts them at odds with the top two contenders for the Republican presidential nomination. Foreign policy has emerged as the main ideological fissure within the Republican Party as the 2024 nominating contest heats up. Both Pence and Sununu have defended Ukraine before, but their Saturday comments were particularly pointed and come as the Republican foreign policy feud intensifies. In a Washington Post opinion column, Sununu, the New Hampshire governor, went after Trump and DeSantis directly. Pence is running well behind Trump and DeSantis, vying for a distant third with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, another Ukraine supporter.

March 14 (Reuters) - Australia's economic health will be its central bank's compass for plotting the course of rate hikes, as stringent regulation insulates its banking sector from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) (SIVB.O), analysts at top domestic banks said. Analysts at three of the top four lenders - Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA.AX), National Australia Bank (NAB.AX), and ANZ Group Holdings (ANZ.AX) - continue to expect the RBA to deliver its 11th consecutive rate hike next month. 0#RBAWATCH"The Australian domestic fundamentals remain consistent with further tightening from the RBA," Adelaide Timbrell, senior economist at ANZ Research said. Australian banking sector, while not immune to the collapse of SVB, is in a "more insulated" position, Rodrigo Catril, senior FX strategist at NAB said. Globally, banking stocks have taken a hit from the collapse of SVB despite of assurances from U.S. authorities, prompting a reassessment of interest rate expectations.

☆ In Florida, a $19 Million Home Sale is the Panhandle’s Priciest of the Year
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-11 | by ( Libertina Brandt | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

A beachfront spec home on Florida’s Emerald Coast has sold for $19 million, making it the Panhandle’s most expensive sale so far this year. The newly completed home in Seagrove Beach was listed for $25 million in May 2022, while still under construction, according to listing agent Jonathan Spears of Compass.

☆ Elon Musk's dream of producing 20 million Teslas per year hangs on whether or not it can pull off a major shift in battery tech
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Hasan Chowdhury | Asia Martin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Tesla wants to make lower cost electric vehicles, as a key part of its plan to fend off challenger. Still, given Tesla's delivery of roughly 1.3 million vehicles last year, it clearly has a long way to go to hit Musk's goal. The growing portion of Tesla's LFP vehicles have, in part, been the result of a deal it struck with Chinese battery supplier CATL in 2020. Tesla and the rush for lithiumA lack of supply chain controls hinders efforts to produce low-cost EVs. The company started to take steps towards taking control of lithium supply into its own hands.

☆ Analysis: Investors revive inflation trades as 6% Fed rate risk grips Wall Street
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Davide Barbuscia | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

NEW YORK, March 7 (Reuters) - Spooked by a flurry of hotter-than-expected U.S. economic and inflation data last month, investors are reviving trading strategies that bet on a higher peak in interest rates. The recalibration in inflation expectations has led some investors to bet on a policy rate of 6% or even higher. Trading platform Tradeweb said it saw average daily volume in inflation swaps - derivatives used to hedge inflation risk - increase by 23% month-on-month in February. With higher inflation expectations lifting short-term bond yields higher than those at the longer end, some investors are wary of committing to debt maturities at the long end of the bond market yield curve. "The momentum in the economy is so strong that we may have to get into 2024 before the Fed funds rate peaks."

☆ We will look back at Q4 as the bottom for stocks, says Compass CEO Robert Reffkin
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWe will look back at Q4 as the bottom for stocks, says Compass CEO Robert ReffkinRobert Reffkin, Compass founder and CEO, joins 'Closing Bell: Overtime' to discuss his call that Q4 will be looked at as the bottom for stocks.

☆ We will look back at Q4 as the bottom for the housing market, says Compass CEO Robert Reffkin
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWe will look back at Q4 as the bottom for the housing market, says Compass CEO Robert ReffkinRobert Reffkin, Compass founder and CEO, joins 'Closing Bell: Overtime' to discuss his call that Q4 will be looked at as the bottom for the housing market.

☆ The job cuts by companies like Uber and GM targeting low performers show CEOs are taking a hard-line approach to management
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-04 | by ( Rebecca Knight | Marguerite Ward | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

To wit, GM this week said it was axing roughly 500 salaried positions in performance-related job cuts. Business advisors who work with executives told Insider that companies conduct what are sometimes called "quiet layoffs" for two main reasons. Job cuts send a potent messageGM this week said it was axing roughly 500 salaried positions in performance-related job cuts. He recently told Insider that the widespread layoffs in tech are more likely due to companies parroting each other rather than necessary cost-cutting. In other words, a rival's announcement of job cuts gives other companies reason to follow suit.

☆ Factbox: As Tesla prepares a Mexico plant, a look at auto plants in Mexico
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] A general view shows the General Motors assembly plant in Ramos Arizpe, in Coahuila state, Mexico February 11, 2021. REUTERS/Daniel BecerrilFeb 28 (Reuters) - Mexico has long been a manufacturing hub in North America for multiple automakers, and the country is trying to position itself for the wave of electric vehicles (EVs) to come. The auto sector is a driver of Mexico's major manufacturing industry, which is heavily integrated into U.S. and Canadian supply chains. Mexican officials on Tuesday said Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) is the latest automaker with plans to build a plant in Mexico. Here are major automakers with plants in Mexico -General Motors Co (GM.N)Silao Plant in the central city in Guanajuato state, produces Chevrolet and GMC full-size pickup trucksRamos Arizpe Plant in the northern city in Coahuila state, builds the Chevrolet Equinox and Blazer SUVs now and will build the 2024 Blazer EV and Equinox EVSan Luis Potosi Plant in the state capital of the central state of San Luis Potosi, produces the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC TerrainFord Motor Co (F.N)Cuautitlan Assembly plant in the central city of Cuautitlan Izcalli, produces Ford Mustang Mach-EHermosillo Assembly Plant in the state capital of the northern state of Sonora, produces Ford Bronco Sport and Ford MaverickToyota Motor Corp (7203.T)Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California in the northern border city of Tijuana, Baja California, produces the Toyota Tacoma pickupToyota Motor Manufacturing de Guanajuato in Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato, produces the Toyota TacomaStellantis (STLAM.MI)Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in the state capital of Coahuila, produces Ram light and heavy-duty pickupsSaltillo Van Assembly Plant, makes the Ram ProMaster vanToluca Assembly Plant, produces the Jeep CompassNissan Motor Co (7201.T)Nissan Mexicana (Cuernavaca) in the central city of Jiutepec, produces NP300 pickup truckNissan Mexicana (Aguascalientes 1 Plant) in the central city of Aguascalientes, produces March, Versa, KicksNissan Mexicana (Aguascalientes 2 Plant), produces SentraNissan also has a joint venture plant with Mercedes (MBGn.DE) in Aguascalientes, making the Infinti QX 50 and 55 SUVs, and Mercedes GLB SUVHonda Motor Co (7267.T)Honda de Mexico (HDM) in Celaya, Guanajuato, produces HR-VVolkswagen (VOWG_p.DE)Volkswagen de México in Sanctorum, Puebla, produces Jetta, Tiguan, TaosVW's Audi unit in San José Chiapa, Puebla, produces Audi Q5 premium SUV and plans to start manufacturing EVs by 2027Mazda Motor Corp (7261.T)Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO) in Salamanca, Guanajuato, produces Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda CX-30Kia AmericaHyundai Motor Co's (005380.KS) Kia has a plant in Pesqueria, Nuevo Leon, produces Kia Forte, RioBMW AGBMW Plant in San Luis Potosi, produces BMW 3 Series, 2 Series and will produce fully electric "Neue Klasse" modelsSOURCES: Carmakers and Auto Forecast SolutionsCompiled by Kannaki Deka in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie AdlerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Hundreds of experiments are in progress worldwide, examining psychedelics' potential as medicines. Insider identified 22 key trials that could make or break the psychedelics industry's future. If they succeed, these trials could pave the way for psychedelics to be used as medical treatments. Hundreds of clinical trials are underway worldwide, examining the potential of psychedelics as treatments for health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, severe depression, and anorexia. The total market for psychedelics-related medicines could eventually reach $100 billion, according to a 2020 report from Tania Gonsalves at Canaccord Genuity.

☆ You're a sucker if you trust ChatGPT
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-19 | by ( Matt Turner | Dave Smith | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

But first: Adam Rogers, a senior tech correspondent at Insider, breaks down why ChatGPT is for suckers. Well, social scientists don't really know why anyone believes anything, from kooky stuff they read on Twitter to closely held ideals. Faced with those conditions, Gen Z has adapted to a new normal: When in doubt, find a new job. It has rankled some of the academics and advocates whose work helped kick off the psychedelics renaissance in the first place. Insider spoke to more than a dozen industry participants to chart its rise and its role in the psychedelics boom.

☆ In this volatile housing market, here's how to know when the bottom is in
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-18 | by ( Tim Mullaney | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +13 min

"People for the most part have come to terms with interest rates." No return of 2008, or 3% mortgage rate The biggest reason why housing prices aren't plunging like they did after 2008? At current levels, the Housing Affordability Index says the median buyer can afford the median U.S. home — but barely. Having seen 6 percent interest rates when she bought her first place in 2007, she's not daunted by today's rates, she said. "People have wrapped their heads around where interest rates are, and they have adapted," Fisher said.

☆ Here are Friday's biggest analyst calls: Tesla, Nvidia, Roku, Coinbase, DraftKings, Disney & more
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on Friday: Compass Point upgrades Coinbase to buy from neutral Compass said the "long-term opportunities outweigh near-term risks." Goldman Sachs reiterates Tesla as buy Goldman said it's bullish heading into the company's investor day on March 1. KeyBanc reiterates Nvidia as overweight KeyBanc raised its price target on the stock to $280 per share from $220. Daiwa reiterates Disney as buy Daiwa said it sees international growth for Disney which will further drive parks outperformance. Evercore ISI adds a positive tactical call on Walmart Evercore said it's bullish on Walmart heading into earnings next week.

☆ Zillow Signals More Pain Ahead in Online Real Estate
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Laura Forman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Zillow is telling investors that housing affordability challenges remain ‘front and center’ this year. Investors in online real estate platforms probably could waste a lot of energy figuring out how low home prices will go or whether mortgage rates have topped out, but common sense beats all that number crunching. U.S. home purchases fell more than 40% in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, Redfin reported this week. Meanwhile, online real-estate stocks including Zillow Group , Redfin, Opendoor Technologies and Compass are up an average of more than 90% this year so far. That is probably wishful thinking.

☆ Countries around the world have legalized cannabis. Guess what could be next
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Now, some investors are betting that psychedelic therapies can grab a share of that enormous market. Due to their mind-bending qualities, substances like psilocybin, ketamine, LSD and MDMA remain illegal in most of the world. But venture firms that invest in the new industry are standing by the drugs. As interest from the medical community and investors grows, what's next for the psychedelic therapy market? Watch the video above to find out.

☆ It’s Home to Coachella Valley’s Most Expensive Real Estate (And No, It’s Not Palm Springs)
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Jessica Flint | Photographs Natasha Lee For The Wall Street Journal | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

This week, The Wall Street Journal’s Mansion section is rolling out stories from our special desert living issue. On the western end is Palm Springs, known for its old Hollywood glamour, stylish resorts, and significant architecture. But more mid-to-east valley, about 30 minutes from Palm Springs, is Indian Wells, which has the area’s priciest residential real estate as ranked by median listing price, according to Realtor.com. It also has some of the most expensive desert real estate in the United States. “To say you live in Indian Wells has cachet,” says Scott Ehrens, a Compass real-estate agent.

☆ Mortgage demand drops as interest rates bounce higher
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

After falling for five straight weeks, mortgage rates jumped last week, triggering a decline in mortgage demand. Total mortgage application volume fell 7.7% last week, compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. A year ago, with mortgage rates at 4.05%, there were just under 4 million refinance candidates. Mortgage applications to purchase a home fell 6% for the week and were 43% lower than the same week a year ago. Mortgage rates continued to move higher this week after a government report on inflation showed it was higher than expected in January.

☆ How a family's struggle to help their son gave rise to controversial $400 million psychedelics giant Compass Pathways
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Yeji Jesse Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +18 min

Today, Compass Pathways, the for-profit company they launched in 2016, is a Nasdaq-listed firm worth about $400 million. Compass Pathways Show lessIt could also boost the dozens of psychedelics companies inspired by Compass that have been formed in recent years. Insider spoke with more than a dozen industry participants to chart the rise of Compass Pathways and its role in the psychedelics boom. He recalled the 2018 Quartz article that detailed the growing alarm around Compass Pathways' "magic mushroom monopoly." Were it not for his decision to take a break from college, and his parents' efforts to find a treatment, Compass Pathways might not exist.

☆ Carlos Slim is the 10th-richest person in the world—take a look inside his $80 million Gilded Age mansion in NYC
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Billionaire Carlos Slim is currently selling his Fifth Avenue townhouse for $80 million. Carlos Slim, one of the top 10 wealthiest people in the world, is currently looking for someone to take a $80 million New York City mansion off his hands. The New York City mansion, built in 1899-1901, was designated a landmark in 1974. The limestone and red-brick mansion spans 27 feet along Fifth Avenue and 100 feet of frontage facing 82nd street. CNBC Make It reached out to Compass, but the brokerage has no comment about the $80 million listing at this time.

☆ Here's what you can do now to be ready to buy a home this spring
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Anna Bahney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Mortgage rates have been ticking down, yet remain volatile. If you are ready and able to buy a home, the day-to-day movements of rates should matter less than finding a home you can afford. Borrowers can also lower monthly payments by paying more upfront to buy down their mortgage rate. Buyers can then use that money to buy down the interest rate on their mortgage and reduce their payments. Mortgage rates are trending down, but it’s not going to be a perfect downward curve, said Melissa Cohn, regional vice president of William Raveis Mortgage.

Search resuls for: "COMPASS"

25 mentions found