Business

‘Customers prefer AI chatbots to humans’ says British Gas boss as 1,300 call centre staff axed

The Guardian

‘Customers prefer AI chatbots to humans’ says British Gas boss as 1,300 call centre staff axed

Chris O’Shea defends Centrica’s plans as it reports rise in retail profits despite falling customer numbers The owner of British Gas has claimed that most households would rather speak with an AI chatbot than deal with the company’s staff…

The Guardian

From Leonardo to Maria Callas to the white stork: faces and symbols on new euro notes from 2026

The ECB has unveiled ten finalist designs for future euro banknotes, featuring culture and nature: Leonardo, Maria Callas, Beethoven, Marie Curie and emblematic European birds.

Brent Crude Tops US$100 After Red Sea Attacks

Brent crude topped US$100 for the first time since May after Red Sea attacks, with mixed effects across Latin America. The post Brent Crude Tops US$100 After Red Sea Attacks appeared first on The Rio Times .

RNZ

Oil price shock for New Zealand far from over - Westpac economist

The price of Brent crude oil hit a six-week high of US$96 (NZ$165) a barrel on Thursday.

RNZ

A CAF Guarantee Helps Argentina Unlock Billions in Financing

CAF approved a US$250 million guarantee for Argentina, part of a scheme aiming for around US$4.3 billion. The post A CAF Guarantee Helps Argentina Unlock Billions in Financing appeared first on The Rio Times .

Leonardo, Callas and Curie or Europe's birds: culture or nature on new euro notes, vote opens

The ECB has revealed the ten finalist designs for future euro banknotes, featuring culture and nature: Leonardo, Maria Callas, Beethoven, Marie Curie and emblematic European birds.

Cemex Lifts Its 2026 Outlook as EBITDA Jumps 24%

Key Facts —The quarter. Cemex, the Mexican building-materials giant, lifted second-quarter sales 12% to about US$4.1 billion, with growth in all four of its regions. —The cash flow. Operating cash flow (EBITDA) hit a record US$1.02…

An IDB Mission Lands in Caracas, the First in Seven Years

An IDB technical mission arrived in Caracas to explore financing, the first such approach in seven years. The post An IDB Mission Lands in Caracas, the First in Seven Years appeared first on The Rio Times .

Spain’s Repsol Bets on Venezuela Oil, Parks $5.4Bn Debt

Repsol is prioritizing raising Venezuelan oil output over recovering the roughly US$5.4 billion Caracas owes it. The post Spain’s Repsol Bets on Venezuela Oil, Parks $5.4Bn Debt appeared first on The Rio Times .