UK inflation dropped to 2.6% in June from 2.8% in May, driven by reduced petrol prices.

UK policymakers link the decline to possible household expense relief for steps tied to inflation.

The South African rand held unchanged ahead of its own inflation data release.

In Australia, Reserve Bank observers point out inflation data is key for guiding interest rate expectations.

Traders in South Africa expect the release of major economic figures after this week's fluctuations in the rand.