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

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

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

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

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