Middle East Developments, US Economic Data to Guide Ringgit’s Direction Next Week

By Siti Noor Afera Abu

KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 (Bernama) -- The ringgit is expected to trade cautiously against the US dollar next week as market sentiment continues to be shaped by developments in the Middle East, while investors will also keep a close watch on the trajectory of crude oil prices and upcoming US economic data.

Kenanga IB Sees BNM Maintaining OPR At 2.75 Pct Through 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is expected to maintain the overnight policy rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent through 2026, supported by manageable inflation and resilient domestic economic conditions, according to Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB). 

APEX Securities Sees No Urgency To Ease OPR Amid Stable Growth, Inflation

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Apex Securities Bhd sees no immediate need for Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to ease the overnight policy rate (OPR) as Malaysia’s growth and inflation outlook remain stable.

Bursa Malaysia Ends Morning Session Higher

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended the morning trading session higher but on a cautious note, as elevated energy costs and rising inflationary risks persisted amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Strong Economic Fundamentals Pivotal To Maintaining Ringgit’s Strength, Says BNM Governor

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s strong economic fundamentals, positive growth prospects and ongoing reform measures will continue to support the ringgit in the face of conflict in the Middle East, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). 

Economy Remains Resilient, BNM Assessing Potential Risk From Middle East War - Governor

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s economy remains resilient despite rising global uncertainty arising from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is closely monitoring developments as the situation continues to evolve.

Bursa Malaysia Slightly Lower In Early Trade

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia opened slightly lower on Friday, tracking weaker Wall Street performance overnight and rising oil prices amid no signs of the Middle East crisis easing.

Subsidy Restructuring Implemented In A Controlled And Targeted Manner - MOF

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- The restructuring of subsidies has been implemented in a controlled and targeted manner so as not to burden the majority of the population, particularly low- and middle-income groups.

Ringgit Ends Lower As Middle East Conflict Lifts US Dollar

By Siti Noor Afera Abu

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- The ringgit remained in a narrow trade and closed lower against the US dollar on Thursday, as heightened tensions in the Middle East weighed on market sentiment and supported the greenback.

BNM Keeps OPR Steady At 2.75 Pct As Supportive Policy Stance Continues -- Economists

By Zufazlin Baharuddin

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia’s decision to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) steady at 2.75 per cent reflects a policy stance that remains supportive in the face of an increasingly uncertain external environment.

Bank Negara Malaysia Maintains OPR At 2.75 Pct

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent during its meeting today.

Oil Prices Stabilise, Malaysia Inflation Remains Modest-- Apex

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Brent crude prices are expected to stabilise after an initial geopolitical-driven spike, keeping Malaysia’s inflation modest at 1.6–1.9 per cent and the 2026 fiscal deficit on track at 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), Apex Securities Bhd said.