Ringgit opens lower against US dollar as Fed rate hike bets lift greenback

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 — The Malaysian ringgit opened weaker against the US dollar as expectations of additional interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve boosted the greenback, according to market analysts. At 8am, the ringgit slipped to 4.0835/0910 from yesterday's close of 4.0780/0825. Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, chief economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd, noted that the US Dollar Index rose 0.49% to 101.096, driven by stronger business sentiment and further Fed rate hikes.

The US Composite Purchasing Managers' Index Output Index reached 58.4 points in September, the highest level in 62 months. Additionally, US Fed Governor Michael Barr suggested the Fed would resume its interest rate hike cycle this year. Consequently, the two- and 10-year US Treasury yields climbed 14 and 15 basis points to 4.85% and 5.11%, respectively.

Analysts predict the ringgit will trade between RM4.08 and RM4.10 against the US dollar today. The ringgit performed favorably against major currencies, strengthening against the euro, British pound, and Japanese yen, while exhibiting mixed performance against ASEAN peers.