Economy

Markets bounce as MidEast fears ease, US inflation in view
Markets bounce as MidEast fears ease, US inflation in view

Asian markets rose Monday, clawing back some of last week's losses, as Middle East worries subsided while traders look ahead to the release of key US inflation data and corporate earnings. The disappointing CPI data has dented hopes for a cut in June, while traders have scaled back their outlook for how many the Fed will make this year.

Slovenia's umbrella doctor weathers the economic storm
Slovenia's umbrella doctor weathers the economic storm

While most people believe a malfunctioning umbrella means you have to buy a new one, Slovenian Marija Lah -- one of Europe's last umbrella repairers -- has spent her life proving them wrong. Another customer, Katja Buda, who brought her grandmother's umbrella for repair, described "Mrs Marija" as "a saviour" and regretted the vanishing profession.

Israel holds Palestinian economy captive, say analysts
Israel holds Palestinian economy captive, say analysts

The Gaza war is speeding up Israel's "annexation" of the Palestinian economy, say analysts, who argue it has been hobbled for decades by agreements that followed the Oslo peace accords. Samara said that "technically speaking, there is no Palestinian economy under Israeli occupation -- our economy has been effectively annexed by Israel's".

Splashy Saudi mega-project NEOM chases Chinese funds
Splashy Saudi mega-project NEOM chases Chinese funds

Bigwigs behind a Saudi megacity dogged by questions about its viability have wrapped up a tour courting Chinese investors, detailing plans for a futuristic ski resort and 170-kilometre-long skyscrapers. Trojena, the futuristic ski resort boasting a manmade lake and 36 kilometres of slopes, must be finished before 2029, when it is set to host the Asian Winter Games.

Mass protests in Canary Islands decry overtourism
Mass protests in Canary Islands decry overtourism

Tens of thousands of demonstrators hit the streets across Spain's Canary Islands on Saturday to demand changes to the model of mass tourism they say is overwhelming the Atlantic archipelago. Organisers say mass tourism perpetuates an economic model that harms local residents and are demanding the authorities limit the numbers.

Hong Kong regulator to investigate PwC auditing of Evergrande
Hong Kong regulator to investigate PwC auditing of Evergrande

Hong Kong's accounting regulator said it would start an investigation into PwC's role in auditing Chinese real estate giant Evergrande, citing the publication of a "whistle-blower report". On Friday, Hong Kong's Accounting and Financial Reporting Council said "a whistle-blower report" had come to its attention.