Skip to main content

Ringgit's struggle against the US dollar

 

Source: xe.com




The Malaysian ringgit has experienced significant volatility against the US dollar in recent times, reflecting broader global economic trends and domestic factors. 

As of late 2024, the ringgit has been under pressure, trading at one of its weaker levels compared to previous years. 

Several factors have contributed to this trend, ranging from global macroeconomic conditions to specific challenges within Malaysia.

Globally, the US dollar has remained strong due to the Federal Reserve’s continued policy of high interest rates to combat inflation. 

This has attracted more foreign investment into the US, leading to a higher demand for the dollar and thus, weakening other currencies like the ringgit. 

Moreover, geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty, particularly involving key trade partners like China, have contributed to the flight of capital towards safer assets denominated in US dollars.

Domestically, Malaysia faces several challenges that have weighed on its currency. Despite moderate economic growth, the country continues to grapple with inflationary pressures, high public debt, and a slower-than-expected recovery in the post-pandemic era. 

Additionally, falling commodity prices, particularly palm oil and crude oil, which are crucial exports for Malaysia, have dampened investor confidence in the ringgit. 

As Malaysia is highly dependent on trade, any disruption or weakening of global demand for these commodities tends to negatively impact the ringgit.

However, some analysts see potential for a gradual recovery in the ringgit, contingent on several factors. 

If global inflation rates stabilize and the Federal Reserve eases its monetary tightening, the US dollar may weaken, providing some relief to currencies like the ringgit. 

Additionally, Malaysia’s economic resilience, particularly if the government enacts policies that stimulate growth and investor confidence, could improve the ringgit’s performance. 

A potential improvement in relations with key trading partners and an increase in commodity prices would also support a stronger ringgit.

In the near term, the outlook for the Malaysian ringgit remains cautious, with global uncertainties and domestic economic challenges continuing to weigh on the currency. 

Nonetheless, with strategic fiscal policies and global market stabilization, the ringgit could eventually regain some strength against the US dollar.

JIWA MERDEKA


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

10 Quotes

WORDS -10 QUOTES  The truth is more important than the facts. - Frank Lloyd Wright It is no good to try to stop knowledge from going forward. Ignorance is never better than knowledge. - Enrico Fermi It's a poor sort of memory that only works backward. - Lewis Carroll Drama is life with the dull bits cut out. - Alfred Hitchcock Curious things, habits. People themselves never knew they had them. - Agatha Christie The dead might as well try to speak to the living as the old to the young. - Willa Cather Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work. But if you're not frightened by these things, the opportunities are just as great today as they ever were. - David Rockefeller Today you can go to a gas station and find the cash register open and the toilets locked. They must think toilet paper is worth more than money. - Joey Bishop If you wouldst live long, live well, for folly and wickedness shorten life. ...

Accidents caused by heavy vehicles are a growing threat to road safety

  The frequent occurrence of accidents involving trucks and trailers in Malaysia has become a pressing concern, highlighting systemic issues within the country's transportation and enforcement systems.  These heavy vehicles, essential for the logistics and supply chain sectors, have been implicated in numerous fatal accidents, often due to negligence, poor maintenance, or inadequate oversight. One of the glaring problems is the lack of enforcement on overloaded trucks. Overloading not only compromises the stability of these vehicles but also accelerates wear and tear on roads, increasing the risk of accidents.  Despite stringent regulations, enforcement remains inconsistent, allowing errant operators to prioritize profits over public safety. Driver fatigue is another critical factor. Many truck drivers endure grueling hours to meet delivery deadlines, often at the expense of rest and alertness.  Without strict adherence to working hour limits and proper monitoring me...

Birds sing after a storm

  Rose Kennedy Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them? - Rose Kennedy You may delay, but time will not. - Benjamin Franklin Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed. - Herman Melville There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality. - Pablo Picasso If you really want something, and really work hard, and take advantage of opportunities, and never give up, you will find a way. -Jane Goodall The trouble with jogging is that the ice falls out of your glass. -Martin Mull A desk is a dangerous place from which to watch the world. -John le Carre Rogues are preferable to imbeciles because they sometimes take a rest. -Alexandre Dumas As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Faust...