Business

Ringgit opens firmer against major and regional currencies ahead of US fed policy meeting

The currency traded in a narrow range but showed early strength against most major and ASEAN currencies, with investors remaining cautious ahead of the US Fed’s policy decision

Updated 5 months ago · Published on 28 Apr 2026 9:31AM

Ringgit opens firmer against major and regional currencies ahead of US fed policy meeting
Ringgit expected to remain range-bound as markets await signals from the US central bank, Afzanizam says - April 28, 2026

THE ringgit opened slightly firmer against most major and regional currencies in early trade today, supported by cautious sentiment across foreign exchange markets.

The local currency, however, remained largely unchanged against the US dollar as investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee’s upcoming policy meeting.

At 8.18am, the ringgit was quoted at 3.9505/9550 against the US dollar, unchanged from Monday’s close of 3.9505/9545.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the ringgit was expected to remain range-bound as markets await signals from the US central bank.

“Traders and investors will be observing the latest assessment by the FOMC members when they conclude their two-day meeting on April 29,” he told Bernama.

Against major currencies, the ringgit posted modest gains at the opening. It strengthened against the British pound to 5.3482/3543 from 5.3525/3580 at Monday’s close.

It also appreciated against the Japanese yen to 2.4791/4821 from 2.4810/4837, although it edged lower against the euro to 4.6316/6368 from 4.6387/6434.

In regional trading, the ringgit mostly advanced against ASEAN currencies. It rose against the Singapore dollar to 3.1011/1051 from 3.1018/1052, and gained against the Thai baht to 12.2061/2257 from 12.2129/2309.

The local currency was unchanged against both the Indonesian rupiah at 229.5/229.8 and the Philippine peso at 6.50/6.51. - April 28, 2026

Spotlight

Malaysia

Nhaveen murder trial: Accused admits taunting victim but denies fatal assault

Malaysia

MCMC probes alleged AI sexual abuse targeting Kedah pupils, teachers

Malaysia

Anwar checks final preparations for Budget 2027

Malaysia

Sarawak election could be called within weeks of Budget 2027

Malaysia

Anwar contacts Prabowo over ‘alarming’ transboundary haze

Malaysia

King calls for schools in haze-hit areas to close

Malaysia

Parents worry over children’s exposure as haze worsens

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

You may be interested

Business

Budget 2027 targets foreign e-commerce platforms, channels billions into local firms and startups

Business

Oil slips on Trump’s Iran remarks, but supply risks and strong US dollar keep markets on edge