Ringgit Seen Trading Steady Amid US Data Releases

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2, 2026 – The ringgit is expected to trade between 4.07 and 4.09 against the US dollar next week, with sentiment guided by upcoming US economic data and its implications for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook.

Key indicators due for release include the ISM indices, Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), nonfarm payrolls, and the unemployment rate. Analysts note these figures will be crucial given the absence of clear forward guidance in the latest Federal Open Market Committee statement.

Ringgit

While a September rate hike remains possible, weaker-than-expected US GDP growth in the second quarter has raised the likelihood of a prolonged policy pause, which could lend support to the ringgit.

On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the local currency strengthened slightly against the US dollar to 4.0835/0875 but traded lower against most major and regional currencies, except the Indonesian rupiah.