Business

Ringgit opens stronger as markets brace for expected U.S. rate cut

The ringgit strengthened against the US dollar at the start of the week, supported by a softer greenback as investors anticipate a 25-basis point cut from the US Federal Reserve

Updated 6 months ago · Published on 08 Dec 2025 9:21AM

Ringgit opens stronger as markets brace for expected U.S. rate cut
The ringgit is expected to remain well supported, with the US dollar-ringgit likely to range between RM4.11 and RM4.12,” Mohd Afzanizam says - December 8, 2025

THE ringgit opened firmer against the U.S. dollar on Monday, extending last week’s upward momentum as the U.S. currency weakened in the lead-up to the Federal Open Market Committee’s two-day meeting beginning on Tuesday.

At 8am, the local unit traded at 4.1035/1245 against the US dollar, compared with 4.1105/1140 at last Friday’s close.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said sentiment was buoyed by expectations that the US Federal Reserve will deliver a 25-basis point rate cut as it shifts focus toward supporting growth amid signs of a cooling economy.

“On that note, the ringgit is expected to remain well supported, with the US dollar-ringgit likely to range between RM4.11 and RM4.12,” Mohd Afzanizam told Bernama.

The ringgit reached a four-year and five-month high last Thursday, touching 4.1115/1165 against the greenback. This surpassed the previous peak on 16 June 2021, when it closed at 4.1155.

The local currency also firmed against major currencies at the opening. It strengthened against the British pound to 5.4671/4951 from 5.4859/4905, gained against the euro to 4.7769/8013 from 4.7912/7953, and appreciated slightly against the Japanese yen to 2.6426/6563 from 2.6536/6561.

Against ASEAN currencies, the ringgit advanced to 3.1663/1827 against the Singapore dollar from 3.1741/1773 and edged higher versus the Philippine peso to 6.96/7.00 from 6.97/6.98. It also strengthened against the Thai baht at 12.8403/9133 from 12.9054/9221, while remaining broadly steady against the Indonesian rupiah at 246.4/247.8 from 246.8/247.2. - December 8, 2025

Spotlight

Malaysia

Bersatu-PH tie-up a possibility as coalition seeks Malay support, analyst says

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Woman molested on her way home from work (video)

Malaysia

Court allows Daim's daughter to permanently keep passport

Malaysia

Santiago pokes holes in data centre hype, asks: Who really benefits?

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Jeweller vows to pursue Rosmah until ‘every penny’ is recovered as RM67.5m battle enters enforcement phase

Malaysia

Ambulance carrying two injured men crashes en route to hospital after MPV collision in Besut

Malaysia

Man blames 'lack of love' for sexual assault on teens

Business

BNM's OPR to stay at 2.75 pcent in 2026 amid strong domestic demand - Kenanga IB

Malaysia

Missing jewellery: Rosmah ordered to pay RM67.5 million

You may be interested

Business

BNM's OPR to stay at 2.75 pcent in 2026 amid strong domestic demand - Kenanga IB

Business

Ringgit holds firm despite US inflation shock as markets brace for Federal Reserve decision

Business

Ringgit holds firm against major currencies as markets await key US inflation data

Business

Open fibre sues Bank Pembangunan, six others in RM2b claim over Aries telecoms liquidation