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

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

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

In Australia, Reserve Bank observers point out inflation data is crucial for guiding interest rate expectations.

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