{
  "id": 4325206,
  "title": "Ringgit expected to remain well supported next week ahead of OPR decision",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/ringgit-expected-to-remain-well-supported-next-week-ahead-of-opr",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-30T02:13:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/economy/2026/08/1521732/ringgit-expected-remain-well-supported-next-week-ahead-opr"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is anticipated to stay well supported throughout the upcoming week prior to Bank Negara Malaysia's Monetary Policy Committee meeting on September 3, according to Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid. He expects the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) to remain at 2.75 per cent, as the economy is experiencing robust growth of six per cent in the second quarter. Inflation, while rising, remains at a moderate level, currently at 1.9 per cent in June 2026 compared to 1.6 per cent in the first quarter. Dr Rashid believes the steady OPR will provide a positive boost to the ringgit's strength. The US interest rate outlook has been impacted by weaker labor market conditions and the US Treasury's intervention in the long-term bond market, leading to a significant decline in the probability of a US rate hike in September to around 30 per cent. Dr Rashid anticipates the ringgit to trade within a narrow range, between RM4.03 and RM4.04, ahead of the US non-farm payrolls (NFP) and ISM data releases. The US NFP report is expected to significantly impact the US interest rate market and the US dollar. Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd advises that BNM should maintain the OPR at 2.75 per cent, leaving the ringgit's direction dependent on global interest rates and US dollar positioning.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to remain well supported next week ahead of Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) Monetary Policy Committee meeting on Sept 3, with the central bank widely expected to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ringgit expected to remain strong before Bank Negara meeting on September 3",
    "Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) anticipated to stay at 2.75%",
    "Inflation at 1.9% in June 2026, steady OPR to boost ringgit"
  ],
  "editors_take": "A steady Overnight Policy Rate is expected to boost the ringgit's strength, with its performance also influenced by US interest rate outlook and data releases that impact the US dollar.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}