Ringgit opens higher against US dollar ahead of key US economic data

The Malaysian ringgit began the trading day marginally stronger against the US dollar on Monday, as market participants anticipated the release of significant economic data from the United States. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Afzanizam Rashid highlighted that the US Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing PMI for July would be released later in the day, with analysts expecting the figure to be 54.0, an increase from the previous month's 53.3.

Additionally, easing tensions in the Middle East and the fact that US President Donald Trump reportedly canceled planned military strikes against Iran also contributed to a more positive market sentiment. Brent crude oil prices rose by 4.59% to US$88.10 per barrel, further boosting the ringgit's value. Afzanizam noted that while the local currency is anticipated to fluctuate within a small range of RM4.07 to RM4.09 throughout the day, the overall market remains cautious.

SPI Asset Management's managing partner, Stephen Innes, suggested that the US dollar's depreciation after Trump's decision to cancel the strike on Iran would have a supportive effect on the ringgit and other risk assets across Asia. Throughout the early morning trading session, the ringgit opened slightly higher against the US dollar, at 4.0805/4.0900, compared to last Friday's closing rate of 4.0835/4.0875.

However, the currency experienced a decline against the Japanese yen, euro, and British pound, as well as a mixed performance against regional currencies such as the Indonesian rupiah, Thai baht, Singapore dollar, and Philippine peso.