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THE ringgit is expected to trade within a steady range of 4.10 to 4.12 against the US dollar next week, supported by market anticipation of a potential interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.
Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd, noted that the majority of traders and investors are forecasting a 25-basis-point reduction in the Fed funds rate at the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meeting on 9 and 10 December.
"Attention next week will be focused on the FOMC meeting, and more importantly, its policy guidance, particularly the latest quarterly projections on macroeconomic variables, notably the Federal Funds Rate and inflation forecasts," he said.
Earlier this week, the ringgit was flat on Monday before strengthening from Tuesday through Friday, reaching 4.11 on Thursday, its highest level in four years and five months.
On a week-to-week comparison, the ringgit appreciated against the US dollar, closing at 4.1105/1140 from 4.1300/1350 recorded the previous week.
However, the local currency traded lower against several major currencies, including the Japanese yen, euro, and British pound.
Conversely, the ringgit strengthened against the currencies of regional ASEAN neighbours, including the Indonesian rupiah, Singapore dollar, and Philippine peso. - December 6, 2025