Troubles Are Far From Over for One of Asia’s Worst Performing Currencies

THIS WEEK IN THE FOREX MARKETS

Troubles Are Far From Over for One of Asia’s Worst Performing Currencies

The Malaysian ringgit has been among the worst performing Asian currencies so far this year and its challenges are far from over.

Political and economic headwinds have buffeted the ringgit while a rebound in crude prices has been one of the few supporting factors for the oil-exporting nation. However, downside risks to oil are growing amid OPEC+ plans to taper output cuts, making the ringgit vulnerable to declines beyond its 4.23-4.25 per dollar support level.

“We are hesitant in turning bullish on the ringgit,” said Divya Devesh, head of Asean and South Asia FX research at Standard Chartered Bank Plc in Singapore. He forecasts the ringgit will fall to 4.30 per dollar by the end of this quarter.

With oil prices on shaky ground, all eyes will be on Malaysia’s inflation data this week which is forecast to remain in the deflationary territory for the fourth month. That’s expected to hurt the ringgit, as it leaves the door open for further interest rate cuts, particularly since Bank Negara Malaysia warned of downside risks to the economy at a policy meeting earlier this month.

Political uncertainty has been a drag on the currency ever since Mahathir Mohamad abruptly resigned as Prime Minister earlier this year. Muhyiddin Yassin replaced him but his grip on power still appears tenuous after he narrowly won a parliamentary vote, indicating that snap election remains a risk. Read more...