Gemini Web Search
Use Gemini CLI to search the web and produce a concise, sourced answer.
Quick workflow
- Formulate a tight query
- Include: entity + ticker/name + date/time window + what you need (%, $, cause, quotes, links)
- Example:
PayPal (PYPL) fell Feb 4 2026: % change, $ change, main catalyst(s), 3 sources
- Run Gemini CLI with a TTY and long timeout Gemini CLI can hang or be slow without a pseudo-TTY.
Preferred (OpenClaw tool call):
- Use
functions.execwithpty: true - Use
timeout300–600s (longer for heavy searches) - Use
yieldMs~10000 thenprocess.polluntil completion
Command template:
~/.npm-global/bin/gemini -p "<prompt>"
If pty:true still behaves poorly, use a pseudo-tty wrapper:
script -q -c "~/.npm-global/bin/gemini -p \"<prompt>\"" /dev/null
- Extract the answer in a structured way Return:
- The key numeric facts (e.g., % move, $ move, close/intraday)
- 2–4 bullets of the main catalyst(s)
- Links (always)
- Quality control (mandatory)
- Prefer: company IR/SEC filing, Reuters, Bloomberg, WSJ/FT, CNBC, reputable outlets.
- Avoid relying on low-quality finance blogs/SEO sites.
- If sources conflict or look unreliable: say so and ask user for a screenshot/link, or re-run with a stricter prompt.
Prompts that work well
-
Fast triage:
Search the web: <topic>. Give 3 bullets + 2 reputable links. -
Market move:
Search the web: Why did <TICKER> move today (<date>)? Provide exact % and $ move (close + intraday if available) and the main catalyst(s). Cite sources with links. -
Force better sources:
Search the web and prioritize Reuters/company IR/SEC filing. If you cannot find them, say so. Topic: <...>. Provide links.
Failure modes & fixes
-
Gemini prints “I will search…” then stalls
- Wait longer (it can be slow).
- Ensure TTY: run with
pty:trueorscript -q -c ... /dev/null.
-
Output has suspicious claims (e.g., odd CEO news)
- Re-run with: “use Reuters/company IR/SEC filing only; otherwise say unknown”.
- Cross-check with at least 2 independent reputable sources.
-
Need numbers but sources don’t show them
- Ask user for the quote/screenshot from their market data app and reconcile.
Local setup notes
- Gemini CLI binary:
~/.npm-global/bin/gemini - Auth: already completed by Jiajie (should work without re-login)