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

UK policymakers associate the decline to prospective cost-of-living relief for policies tied to inflation.

The South African rand remained unchanged 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 expect the release of major economic figures after this week's volatility in the rand.