Inflation in the United States cooled in January, according to the Department of Labor, driven by falling prices for energy and used cars. The consumer price index rose by 2.4% over the 12 months to January, down from 2.7% the prior month, marking the slowest pace since May, according to BBC Business. This development comes as former President Donald Trump stated that regime change in Iran "would be the best thing that could happen," as reported by Sky News, and as Cuba grapples with fuel shortages exacerbated by the US blockade, as detailed by Euronews.
The easing inflation could bolster arguments that the central bank is in a position to cut interest rates without triggering a price surge, according to BBC Business. However, some analysts have cautioned that progress toward the Federal Reserve's 2% target could stall if companies pass on tariff costs to consumers or if labor shortages push up prices.
Meanwhile, Trump's remarks on Iran, made after visiting troops at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, coincided with the deployment of a second US aircraft carrier to the Middle East. Sky News reported that Trump justified the deployment, stating, "we'll need it" if a deal isn't reached with Iran.
In other news, Cuba is facing fuel shortages, leading to rationing and disruptions in public transport and aviation, as reported by Euronews. The US blockade is deepening the energy crisis, with Mexico pledging diplomatic efforts to help resume oil shipments.
In the realm of technology, Airbnb announced that its custom-built AI agent is now handling roughly a third of its customer support issues in North America, with plans for global expansion. TechCrunch reported that CEO Brian Chesky believes the AI will significantly reduce costs and improve service quality. The company anticipates that within a year, over 30% of its total customer support tickets will be handled by AI voice and chat in all languages where human customer service agents are employed.
The United Arab Emirates is also embracing artificial intelligence, using it to streamline bureaucracy and expedite public services, as reported by Euronews. The UAE showcased its efforts at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, where AI was a central focus. Mohammed Bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services of the United Arab Emirates Government, told Euronews that the summit served as a global platform for discussing these advancements.
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment