Ringgit opens higher against US dollar as oil prices ease

The Malaysian ringgit opened stronger against the US dollar and other major currencies on Friday, buoyed by heightened market confidence as Western Asia crude oil supply worries eased, according to Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Afzanizam Rashid. At 8am, the local currency climbed to 4.0955-4.1015 per US dollar from Thursday's close of 4.0965-4.1010.

This improvement in sentiment followed reports that Saudi Arabia had started reconstructing its damaged East-West pipeline, and that tanker activity through the Strait of Hormuz remained stable, alleviating immediate concerns about potential supply disruptions. Consequently, Brent crude oil prices dropped 0.95% to $104.82 per barrel, while US Treasury yields fell, with the 2-year and 10-year notes decreasing by seven basis points each to 4.67% and 4.94%.

Analysts are now focusing on the Bank of Japan's upcoming monetary policy decision, with expectations of a 25-basis-point rate hike to 1.25%. Market observers will be closely watching the BOJ's assessment and tone, as a more aggressive stance could lead to further yen carry trade unwind and increased forex market volatility. As a result, the ringgit is expected to remain within a tight range today, with traders closely monitoring this crucial event.

Throughout the day, the ringgit showed mixed performance against various major currencies. It gained against the euro, rose against the Japanese yen, and strengthened against the British pound, while trading mixed against its ASEAN counterparts.