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Tuesday, 18 August 2026

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Ringgit Strengthens Against Major Currencies while Holding Tight Range Against US Dollar on Upbeat GDP Growth

By Chee Liang CFA3 min read

Kuala Lumpur, 18 August 2026 – The Malaysian ringgit posted gains against several major and regional currencies while trading within a narrow range against the United States dollar on Tuesday, bolstered by Malaysia’s stronger-than-expected second-quarter economic expansion and persistent domestic demand.

The local currency traded at 4.0830/0890 against the greenback, holding steady near its previous close of 4.0840/0885. Market momentum was supported by official economic releases confirming that Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 6.0 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026 (2Q 2026), outperforming consensus market forecasts of 5.8 percent and accelerating from the 5.4 percent growth recorded in the first quarter.

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Author

  • Chee Liang CFA specializes in financial advice and global economic trends, delivering clear insights to help readers navigate markets, investments, and the shifting dynamics of the world economy.