Kuala Lumpur: The ringgit opened marginally higher against the US dollar this morning, as traders and investors closely monitor developments regarding US tariff policies. This slight strengthening positions the ringgit just above the RM4.40 level, with potential for further movement depending on upcoming US tariff decisions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, at 8 am, the ringgit appreciated to 4.4060/4275 from the previous day's close of 4.4080/4110. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd's chief economist, Dr. Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, commented that the current tariff impositions are seen as measured and not broad-based, which may help maintain a positive risk-on sentiment in the market. However, he cautioned that market conditions remain volatile and a more aggressive tariff stance by the US could quickly turn sentiment towards risk aversion.

In trading against major currencies, the ringgit showed strength, rising against the Japanese yen to 2.9387/9532 from 2.9471/9495, appreciating against the British pound to 5.5591/5862 from 5.5704/5742, and increasing against the euro to 4.6096/6321 from 4.6156/6188.

The ringgit also demonstrated a positive trend against ASEAN currencies. It improved against the Singapore dollar to 3.2895/3061 from 3.2950/2975 and strengthened against the Thai baht to 13.1338/2046 from 13.1508/1672. The local note remained nearly flat against the Indonesian rupiah at 270.6/272.1 compared to 270.7/271.1 at the previous day's close and was almost unchanged against the Philippine peso at 7.62/7.66, compared to 7.62/7.63 the day before.