Malaysian Ringgit: Range-bound outlook holds against US Dollar – MUFG

MUFGs Lloyd Chan notes Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) kept the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75% and expects it to stay on hold through 2026, with domestic fundamentals described as broadly supportive. Recent Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) weakness has stayed below 4.15 against the US Dollar (USD), and Chan expects USD/MYR to trade broadly within a 4.00–4.20 range near term, while maintaining a neutral stance on Malaysian government securities.

Ringgit seen holding broad range

“In Malaysia, BNM kept the Overnight Policy Rate unchanged at 2.75% and maintained a broadly neutral policy stance.”

“We expect BNM to remain on hold through the rest of 2026, as current monetary settings continue to support growth while keeping inflation manageable.”

“Domestic fundamentals remain broadly supportive, underpinned by a resilient labour market, healthy investment approvals, and contained inflation at around 2%.”

“On FX, recent ringgit weakness has been contained below 4.15 against the USD, helped in part by BNMs measures encouraging government-linked corporates to repatriate overseas earnings.”

“We expect USD/MYR to remain broadly range-bound within 4.00-4.20 in the near term.”