Ringgit Surges on Strong Malaysia GDP Growth

The Malaysian ringgit has strengthened against the US dollar following Malaysia's stronger-than-expected second quarter 2026 GDP growth of 6.0 per cent.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam said the local currency opened higher at 4.0830/0890 against the greenback from Friday's close of 4.0840/0885.

The GDP data showed that the Malaysian economy has remained resilient and continues to surprise on the upside, according to Dr Mohd Afzanizam.

He said traders and investors were uncertain about how geopolitical risk would impact inflation, which ultimately hinges on how the US Federal Reserve decides its monetary policy in the next Federal Open Market Committee meeting on September 15 and 16, 2026.