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Ringgit weakens against dollar ahead of Federal Reserve decision

The Malaysian ringgit retreated against the US dollar on Tuesday as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of this week's Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting. The currency depreciated to 4.0815/4.0850 against the greenback by evening trading.

LSN Malaysia · 22 October 2026

Ringgit weakens against dollar ahead of Federal Reserve decision

The ringgit's decline reflects broader market cautiousness as traders positioned themselves ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, where decisions on US interest rates are expected to influence currency valuations across the region.

The weakness in the ringgit follows a pattern seen in other major currencies as investors await clarity on the Federal Reserve's policy stance. Market participants typically reduce currency exposure and adopt defensive positions during high-impact central bank announcements.

Analysts note that movements in the US dollar remain closely tied to interest rate expectations, with shifts in Fed policy directly impacting capital flows into emerging market currencies such as the ringgit. The upcoming FOMC decision is therefore likely to remain a key driver of ringgit volatility in the near term.

Market observers will continue to monitor the ringgit's performance through the FOMC announcement, with the currency's trajectory potentially shifting sharply depending on the committee's policy guidance and economic projections.