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

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

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

In Australia, Reserve Bank observers note inflation data is key for shaping interest rate expectations.

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