THE Malaysian ringgit is set for its best quarter since 1973, with a likely refrain by the central bank from cutting interest rates seen to extend the currency’s rally.
The ringgit has risen more than 12 per cent against the greenback so far this quarter, making it the best-performing emerging market currency. Narrowing rate differentials with the US, improving trade performance and attractive asset valuations may help the ringgit strengthen further, analysts said.
Robust economic growth and a potential pick up in consumer prices if the government proceeds to remove some fuel subsidies may keep Bank Negara Malaysia on hold into 2025 even as other central banks start to lower borrowing costs. Foreign investor flows and further conversion of foreign currency deposits will also support the ringgit.
“Malaysia’s current account surplus, neutral central bank stance and stable fundamentals may help with further gains in light of US dollar weakness,” said Jeff Ng, head of Asia macro strategy at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking. “This is particularly so if markets expect more rate cuts by the US, reducing yield differentials between the US and Malaysia.”
The ringgit has been on a tear since April after a rebound in exports and efforts by the central bank to encourage state-linked firms to repatriate overseas investment income. The rally picked up steam this quarter as investors bet on South-east Asian winners amid the prospect of policy easing by the Federal Reserve.
Global funds have poured a cumulative US$2.5 billion into the nation’s bonds in July and August, and bought US$1.2 billion of local equities since end-June, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
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The ringgit would also benefit from a rotation into Asia after foreign investors were overweight on Latin American currencies over the past year, according to Chandresh Jain, a strategist at BNP Paribas. “This flow should continue for some time,” he said.
The local currency closed 0.1 per cent higher at 4.2037 versus the US dollar on Friday (Sep 20).
Market indicators suggest the current surge in the ringgit may be stretched, signalling a potential consolidation in the near term. Traders will be keeping a close eye on the country’s budget announcement next month for its progress on subsidy reforms and fiscal deficit.
On a longer-term basis, “there is no doubt that the ringgit valuation is attractive and cheap, based on effective exchange rate”, said Wee Khoon Chong, a strategist at Bank of New York Mellon. BLOOMBERG
