KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened nearly unchanged against the US dollar today, as investors adopt a cautious stance ahead of key United States labour market data release.
At 8 am, the local currency opened at 3.9220/9345 against the greenback from Tuesday’s close of 3.9220/9260.
Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the US dollar index (DXY) edged up slightly by 0.05 per cent to 96.865 points, despite weaker-than-expected US retail sales data.
“US retail sales were unchanged month-on-month in December 2025 compared with consensus estimates of 0.4 per cent, suggesting weaker consumer sentiment and slower spending momentum.
“As such, traders will be closely watching the Nonfarm Payrolls and unemployment rate, with consensus estimates at 70,000 jobs compared with 50,000 in December, while the unemployment rate is expected to remain unchanged at 4.4 per cent,” he told BERNAMA. – BERNAMA
