KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 — The ringgit opened firmer against the US dollar today, hovering near its strongest level in almost eight years as persistent weakness in the greenback and improving domestic economic prospects bolstered sentiment.
At 8 am, the ringgit rose to 3.8945/9110 against the US dollar, up from yesterday’s close of 3.8995/9060. The currency last traded near this level on April 23, 2018, at 3.8965/8995.
Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the ringgit is likely to remain supported as traders and investors await the final reading of fourth-quarter 2025 gross domestic product (GDP) growth, to be released later today.
“There is growing optimism that fourth-quarter 2025 growth could exceed the advance estimate of 5.7 per cent, with the ringgit appearing to establish a new base amid encouraging domestic data and continued weakness in the US dollar.
“The RM3.90 level is seen as a psychological barrier, while technical indicators suggest immediate support at RM3.87. Barring any major external shocks, the ringgit is expected to maintain its positive momentum against the greenback,” he told Bernama.
The ringgit also opened higher against a basket of major currencies. It strengthened against the Japanese yen to 2.5494/5604 from 2.5499/5543, appreciated versus the euro to 4.6224/6420 from 4.6346/6423, and firmed against the British pound to 5.3035/3260 from 5.3220/3309.
Regional performance was positive as well, with the ringgit rising against the Indonesian rupiah to 231.4/232.5 from 231.7/232.2, advancing versus the Singapore dollar to 3.0850/0986 from 3.0931/0985, gaining against the Thai baht to 12.5257/5885 from 12.5998/6273, and strengthening against the Philippine peso to 6.70/6.73 from 6.71/6.72.
