Kuala Lumpur, 8 October 2026 – The ringgit opened marginally firmer against the US dollar as investors awaited Budget 2027 for evidence that Malaysia can protect growth while maintaining fiscal discipline. The currency moved to 4.0845/0895 per dollar from the previous close of 4.0850/0895, a small change that reflected caution rather than a decisive shift in sentiment.
The local note held its ground despite a stronger US dollar after Federal Reserve minutes reinforced expectations of restrictive monetary policy. The US Dollar Index rose about 0.4% to 102.242, increasing the external pressure faced by emerging-market currencies. Malaysia’s domestic fiscal outlook is therefore competing with a powerful global rates and dollar cycle.
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