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Google Expands Global AI Mode With Enhanced Agentic Capabilities

Global Rollout Fuels AI-Driven Search Innovation

Google has announced a worldwide expansion of its AI Mode, an experimental feature designed to help users ask complex, multi-part questions and follow-up inquiries directly within its Search platform. Initially available only in the United States, United Kingdom, and India, the feature now extends to 180 additional countries in English. Future plans aim to include support for more languages and regions, marking a significant milestone in Google’s ambition to transform search through advanced artificial intelligence.

Agentic Functionality: Beyond Simple Queries

One of the standout enhancements in this expansion is the introduction of agentic capabilities. Users can now leverage AI Mode to secure restaurant reservations with precision. For instance, by specifying details such as party size, date, time, location, and preferred cuisine, AI Mode scours multiple reservation platforms and surfaces real-time availability. This functionality is currently being piloted for U.S. Google AI Ultra subscribers through Google Labs’ “Agentic Capabilities in AI Mode” experiment, with plans to expand similar services to include local service appointments and event ticket bookings in the near future.

Personalized Search: Tailoring Results to Individual Preferences

In addition to its reservation capabilities, AI Mode now offers personalized search experiences. Drawing from a user’s previous interactions in Search and Maps, the feature dynamically adjusts results to reflect individual tastes and preferences. For example, a query such as “I only have an hour, need a quick lunch spot, any suggestions?” prompts AI Mode to consider previous searches and clicks, tailoring responses to highlight relevant options like Italian restaurants with outdoor seating if that aligns with the user’s preference. Users also retain control over their personalization settings via their Google Account.

Collaborative Features Enhance User Engagement

Recognizing the growing need for collaborative tools in planning and decision-making, Google has introduced a new “Share” button within AI Mode. This feature allows users to forward AI Mode responses to peers, enabling real-time collaboration on activities such as planning a trip or organizing a birthday celebration. This enhancement underscores Google’s commitment to making digital assistance not just a solitary tool but a resource for collective planning and tailored recommendations.

Future Outlook

Google’s global expansion of AI Mode, coupled with its novel agentic and personalized features, represents a critical step in the evolution of search technology. By blending advanced AI with user-driven personalization and collaborative tools, the tech giant is paving the way for a more intuitive and connected digital experience. As the platform continues to evolve, users can expect to see increasingly sophisticated functionalities designed to streamline everyday tasks and decision-making processes.

Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.

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