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

UK policymakers tie the decline to possible living-cost relief for policies tied to inflation.

The South African rand stayed steady 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 key economic figures after this week's fluctuations in the rand.