KUALA LUMPUR — The ringgit opened stronger against the US dollar and major regional currencies, boosted by declining confidence in the US dollar due to delayed EU tariffs and concerns over US fiscal policies.

At 8.05am, the ringgit stood at 4.2050/2250 versus the US dollar, better than Monday’s 4.2155/2220 close. Bank Muamalat's Dr Mohd Afzanizam noted the US Dollar Index dipped further as markets reacted to inconsistent trade signals and rising fiscal deficit fears under President Trump.

This weakness supported gains in emerging market currencies, including the ringgit, which also rose against the euro, pound, yen, and several Asean currencies. Analysts expect the ringgit to maintain its upward momentum if US policies remain unchanged.