THE Malaysian ringgit opened firmer on Friday, trading at approximately RM4.10 against the US dollar, buoyed by improving fiscal conditions and growing investor confidence in the local currency.
By 8 am, the ringgit had strengthened to 4.1065/1155 from Thursday’s closing level of 4.1115/1165.
Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid noted that the ringgit has remained resilient even in the face of recent US economic data indicating a steady labour market.
“The US initial jobless claims fell to 191,000 last week versus consensus estimates of 219,000, while Challenger job cuts dropped to 71,300 in November from 153,000 in the previous month. Despite the data falling to a three-year low, the market still expects a rate cut to occur,” he told Bernama.
The local currency reached 4.1115/1165 against the greenback yesterday, marking its highest level in four years and five months, surpassing the previous peak of 4.1155 recorded on 16 June 2021. Analysts attribute this surge to a combination of positive domestic fiscal developments and continued market expectations of US monetary easing, which have collectively strengthened sentiment toward the ringgit.
The rise underscores investor confidence in Malaysia’s economic fundamentals, highlighting the local currency’s growing appeal despite external uncertainties in global financial markets. - December 5, 2025 - December 5, 2025
