Ringgit strengthens on robust Q3 GDP estimate
The statistics department’s advance estimate shows Malaysia’s economy expanded by 5.3% in Q3 2026.
THE ringgit edged higher against the US dollar on Tuesday, buoyed by Malaysia’s more optimistic estimate for the third quarter’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth. The country's statistics department reported that the economy expanded by 5.3% in Q3 2026, up from the 6% growth seen in the previous quarter. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Afzanizam Rashid commented on the news, stating that Malaysia's economy appears resilient.
He added that it would not be surprising if the whole-year GDP surpasses the current projection of 4.8% to 5.3%, as the growth for the nine months of 2026 (M9 2026) is already at 5.5%. As of 6pm, the ringgit strengthened to 4.0795/4.0835 against the US dollar, up from the previous close of 4.0800/4.0835. Throughout the day, the local currency traded weaker against a basket of major currencies, with minor fluctuations against its ASEAN peers.
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- Ringgit strengthens against US dollar after robust third-quarter GDP estimate malaymail.com
- Ringgit strengthens on robust Q3 GDP estimate freemalaysiatoday.com
