KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit rose 3.9 per cent against the greenback in the fourth quarter of 2025 (4Q 2025), driven by both external and domestic factors, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour.
In a statement today, he said the ringgit’s nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) appreciated by 3.8 per cent against currencies of Malaysia’s major trading partners in 4Q 2025.
"On the external front, the narrowing of interest rate differentials following the United States (US) Federal Reserve’s policy rate cuts in October and December has supported the ringgit during the quarter,” he said.
The ringgit’s appreciation was also driven by lower tariff-related uncertainties following the US's conclusion of trade agreements with several regional trading partners, including Malaysia.
"Domestically, Malaysia’s positive economic prospects, underpinned by reform efforts, have continued to reinforce investor confidence and improved overall sentiment in domestic financial markets,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rasheed said that in 2025, the ringgit appreciated by 10.2 per cent against the US dollar, while its NEER appreciated by 6.3 per cent.
"Moving forward, movements in the ringgit will continue to be influenced by external factors,” he said, adding that resilient domestic fundamentals are expected to provide enduring support to the ringgit.
"Furthermore, the coordinated efforts by the government and BNM will continue to encourage healthy two-way flows in the domestic financial markets.
"These ongoing efforts include the Qualified Resident Investor (QRI) programme that offers resident corporates the flexibility to reinvest abroad, and proactive engagements with investors, exporters, and importers,” the governor said.
BNM will also continue to ensure the orderly functioning of the domestic foreign exchange market, he said.
On the last day of 2025, the ringgit closed at 4.0580/0620 against the US dollar.
This morning, the ringgit traded at 3.8945/9110 against the US dollar. - Bernama
