web-search

# Web Search Skill ## Instructions When the user asks about current interest rates, financial news, competitor comparisons, regulatory updates, or anything requiring up-to-date information, use the `web_search` tool. ### How It Works The web search tool uses the **Microsoft Foundry Responses API** with `web_search_preview`, powered by Bing Grounding. It returns real-time web results with **URL citations** so responses are grounded in verifiable sources. ### When to Use - Current market interest rates (Fed funds rate, prime rate, treasury yields) - Competitor bank rate comparisons - Financial news and economic developments - Banking regulation updates - Consumer financial protection information - Real-time exchange rates - Any query where the user explicitly asks to "search" or "look up" something ### Banking-Specific Search Tips - For rates: search "[bank name] savings rate" or "best CD rates [month] [year]" - For regulations: search "FDIC" / "CFPB" + topic - For comparisons: search "best [product type] accounts [year]" ### Response Guidelines - Always include **source URLs** from the citations returned by the tool - Present financial data with proper formatting (rates as percentages, currencies with symbols) - Note the date/time of rate information — rates change frequently - If the search returns no relevant results, suggest refining the query - Do not fabricate URLs — only use citations returned by the tool - Include a disclaimer when presenting rate comparisons: "Rates shown are for informational purposes and may vary. Contact the institution for current rates and eligibility."