Economy

Table Mountain attacks highlight crime threat to S.Africa tourism
Table Mountain attacks highlight crime threat to S.Africa tourism

Hikers hit the trail before dawn at South Africa's natural jewel Table Mountain, but instead of simply trekking its rugged landscape they were also demonstrating against a surge in attacks on walkers and tourists. With South Africa's tourist season near its peak, guides worry about taking hikers onto one of Africa's major draws at dawn and dusk because of the risk.

Rising egg prices show cracks in sanctions-hit Russian economy
Rising egg prices show cracks in sanctions-hit Russian economy

Russians have voiced concern about the growing cost of a basic food staple -- eggs -- pointing to the fragile state of the sanctions-hit economy, as President Vladimir Putin seeks a fifth term in office. Eggs are a vital ingredient of many traditional Russian holiday dishes including the mayonnaise-heavy Russian "Olivier" salad, a staple of the New Year's feast.

Reborn night train links Berlin and Paris
Reborn night train links Berlin and Paris

A new sleeper service between Berlin and Paris will set off from the German capital on Monday evening after a decade-long hiatus, as night trains gain in popularity as an alternative to short-haul flights. In 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron set the aim of opening 10 new sleeper services by 2030, with the results already visible.

Asian markets mixed ahead of US inflation data, Fed decision
Asian markets mixed ahead of US inflation data, Fed decision

Asian markets diverged Monday as investors awaited key US data and a Federal Reserve policy decision after labour figures last week suggested the US central bank was on course to deliver a soft landing for the economy while reining in inflation. Investors will also be keeping an eye on decisions by the European Central Bank and Bank of England this week.