The ringgit’s performance in global currency markets is a subject that touches the daily lives of millions of Malaysians — from business owners managing import costs to families sending remittances abroad. On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the ringgit opened with a mixed but broadly positive performance, gaining ground against major currencies while slipping marginally against the US dollar, a development shaped directly by cooling inflation data out of the United States.
Ringgit Eases Against the US Dollar as CPI Data Comes Into Focus
The ringgit’s performance against the greenback set the tone for the morning session. At 8am on August 13, the local currency eased to 4.0850/0950 against the US dollar, compared to Wednesday’s close of 4.0835/0875 — a modest softening driven by global market recalibration following the release of US consumer price index (CPI) figures.
Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid told Bernama that US CPI inflation moderated slightly to 3.4 per cent in July, down from 3.5 per cent the previous month. While the figure aligned with consensus estimates, its effect on bond markets was notable. The 10-year US Treasury yield fell below 4.70 per cent, and the two-year note yielded one basis point lower to 4.20 per cent — both signals that the US Federal Reserve may not be in a rush to raise interest rates in the near term.
For everyday Malaysians, this matters. A more measured Fed policy generally reduces upward pressure on the US dollar, giving regional currencies like the ringgit more room to hold their ground.
Ringgit Advances Against the Euro, Pound, and Japanese Yen
While the ringgit softened against the US dollar, it delivered a stronger showing against a broad basket of major currencies — a performance that reflects the ringgit’s underlying resilience when measured beyond the dollar.
At the opening bell, the ringgit climbed against the Japanese yen to 2.5637/5701, compared to 2.5655/5682 at Wednesday’s close. Against the euro, it rose to 4.7092/7207 from 4.7107/7153, and it improved against the British pound to 5.5135/5270 from 5.5180/5234 previously.
These gains indicate that ringgit strength is not simply a dollar story. Broader global sentiment — shaped by easing inflation concerns and shifting rate expectations — is supporting the local note across multiple fronts.
Ringgit Posts Mixed Results Against Regional Currencies
The ringgit’s performance against Southeast Asian and regional peers was mixed, reflecting the varied economic conditions across the region. Against the Thai baht, the ringgit climbed to 12.3418/3791 from 12.3488/3665 on Wednesday. However, it eased against the Singapore dollar to 3.1912/1992 from 3.1905/1941.
Trade with Indonesia and the Philippines remained largely stable. The ringgit was quoted at 228.5/229.1 against the Indonesian rupiah, compared to 228.4/228.7 at the previous close, while it held flat against the Philippine peso at 6.67/6.69.
This steady-to-modest picture against ASEAN currencies suggests that regional dynamics are broadly balanced, with no single factor dominating sentiment in intra-regional trade.
Straits of Hormuz Uncertainty Remains a Risk Factor for Ringgit Outlook
Beyond the immediate data, Dr Mohd Afzanizam flagged an ongoing geopolitical concern that continues to cloud the ringgit’s outlook. He noted that worries over the reopening of the Straits of Hormuz remain unresolved, keeping the risk of higher inflation “fairly visible.”
For Malaysia — a net energy exporter with significant trade exposure to oil markets — prolonged disruption to global energy supply routes can feed into domestic inflation and affect the ringgit’s real purchasing power. The situation bears monitoring, particularly as global commodity markets remain sensitive to any escalation.
Despite this uncertainty, the economist maintained a measured outlook. He projected the ringgit to oscillate around RM4.07 to RM4.09 against the US dollar for the day, suggesting that market participants are not expecting dramatic swings in either direction.
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Ringgit’s Recent Performance
What rate did the ringgit open at against the US dollar on August 13, 2026? The ringgit opened at 4.0850/0950 against the US dollar at 8am on August 13, 2026, easing slightly from Wednesday’s close of 4.0835/0875.
Why did the ringgit soften against the US dollar despite positive CPI data? Markets had largely priced in the moderation in US CPI to 3.4 per cent for July 2026. The slight softening reflects post-data positioning rather than a fundamental deterioration in the ringgit’s outlook.
What happened to US Treasury yields following the CPI release? The 10-year US Treasury yield fell below 4.70 per cent, and the two-year note yielded one basis point lower at 4.20 per cent, both indicating that the Fed may delay any interest rate increases.
How did the ringgit perform against the euro and pound? The ringgit rose against the euro to 4.7092/7207 from 4.7107/7153, and improved against the British pound to 5.5135/5270 from 5.5180/5234 at the previous close.
What is the expected ringgit trading range for the day? Bank Muamalat chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid projected the ringgit to trade between RM4.07 and RM4.09 against the US dollar on August 13, 2026.
How did the ringgit perform against Singapore dollar and Thai baht? The ringgit climbed against the Thai baht to 12.3418/3791 but eased against the Singapore dollar to 3.1912/1992, reflecting mixed regional currency dynamics.
What geopolitical factor could affect the ringgit’s direction going forward? The unresolved situation surrounding the Straits of Hormuz continues to pose an inflation risk. Dr Mohd Afzanizam noted that this uncertainty keeps higher inflation risks “fairly visible,” which could influence the ringgit’s trajectory in the coming sessions.
The ringgit’s August 13 opening paints a nuanced picture — resilient against major developed-market currencies, steady against most regional peers, and navigating a narrow band against the US dollar as global inflation and monetary policy narratives continue to evolve. For Malaysians tracking the currency, the key watchpoints remain US Federal Reserve signals, energy market developments linked to the Straits of Hormuz, and regional trade flows that give the ringgit its broader direction.
