web-search

name	web-search
description	Real-time internet search for banking rates, financial news, and regulatory updates
enabled	true

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."