The ringgit opened slightly higher against the US dollar, supported by lower crude oil prices and ongoing US-Iran negotiations.
KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit was slightly higher against the US dollar on Monday as the domestic unit continues to be well-supported with lower crude oil prices.
Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude prices were hovering around US$69.87 per barrel and US$72.46 per barrel, while the United States and Iran are expected to continue negotiations.
At 8 am, the local currency was pegged at 4.0855/0950 against the greenback from last Friday’s close of 4.0860/0910.
“Shipping continues in the Straits of Hormuz, which suggests that oil shortages could be resolved soon. On that note, expect the US dollar/ringgit (pair) to revolve around RM4.08 to RM4.10 today,” Mohd Afzanizam told Bernama.
At the opening, the ringgit traded higher against a basket of major currencies.
It advanced against the British pound to 5.3929/4054 from 5.4013/4079 at Friday’s close, rose versus the euro to 4.6526/6634 from 4.6605/6662 and was marginally higher vis-à-vis the Japanese yen at 2.5258/5318 from 2.5283/5316 previously.
The local note was traded mixed against regional currencies.
It appreciated against the Singapore dollar to 3.1560/1639 from 3.1581/1625 on Friday’s close, was almost flat versus the Indonesian rupiah at 227.9/228.6 from 227.9/228.3, and was flat against the Philippine peso at 6.66/6.68 from 6.66/6.67.
The local note increased versus the Thai baht to 12.2284/2627 from 12.2445/2643 previously.
