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

UK policymakers link the decline to possible household expense relief for policies 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 crucial for shaping interest rate expectations.

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