KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened slightly higher against the US dollar on Monday, May 18, 2026, although cautious sentiment persisted amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia. At 8 am, the local unit rose to 3.9495/9605 against the greenback from Friday's close of 3.9550/9650, according to data from Bank Negara Malaysia.
Market participants remained cautious due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have weighed on global risk appetite. The ringgit's modest gain was supported by mild buying interest, but gains were limited as investors awaited further cues on US interest rates and regional developments.
Analysts noted that the ringgit could trade in a narrow range in the near term, with support at 3.9400 and resistance at 3.9600. The local currency is expected to remain sensitive to geopolitical news and shifts in global investor sentiment.
