Morning Business Report: Home heating costs expected to rise 7% this winter as energy prices climb

Americans could pay approximately 7% more to heat their homes this winter as rising energy prices put additional pressure on household budgets.

(LILAMAX)- Americans could pay approximately 7% more to heat their homes this winter as rising energy prices put additional pressure on household budgets.

Households that rely on heating oil could face much steeper increases of around 70%, with the war in Iran significantly reducing the available supply.

According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, rising energy costs have contributed to as many as one in six households falling behind on natural gas and electricity bills.

Meanwhile, United Airlines says it plans to block personal artificial intelligence assistants from accessing its systems to book airline tickets.

The airline cited concerns that AI agents could expose customers’ sensitive information or make purchases they did not intend to authorize.

The decision comes as banks, retailers and other businesses evaluate how to handle increasingly capable AI assistants designed to complete tasks such as shopping online and scheduling appointments.

On Wall Street, technology stocks rebounded as investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence returned.

The Nasdaq led the major indexes with a gain of 1.6%.

A new survey also suggests teenagers may be developing stronger financial habits than their parents realize.

The study of 2,000 parents of teenagers ages 13 to 17 found that 46% believe their children have a better understanding of finances than they do.

Parents reported that their teenagers tend to think carefully before making major purchases and are more willing to save money before buying something.

The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of OnePay, also questioned teenagers about their financial habits.

Nine in 10 teens described themselves as financially responsible, despite many having never visited a physical bank.

In other business news, Hidden Valley Ranch is offering one couple the opportunity to get married on Super Bowl Sunday.

The company’s “A Match Made in Hidden Valley” contest features an all-expenses-paid wedding in Los Angeles.

The grand prize includes flights, hotel accommodations, wedding supplies and catering, followed by a Super Bowl watch party for 50 friends and family members.

The winning couple will celebrate their wedding and the championship game on the same day.