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

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

The South African rand stayed stable ahead of its own inflation data release.

In Australia, Reserve Bank observers note inflation data is critical for forming interest rate expectations.

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