Ringgit Expected To Hit 3.00 Against US Dollar By Q1

By Nor Baizura Basri

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- The ringgit, which touched a new 13-year high of 3.0345 in intra-day trade Monday, is expected to hit 3.00 against the dollar by the first quarter, supported by speculation that Asian central banks may raise interest rate to curb inflationary pressure and the continued commercial demand for the local currency.

"We expect the ringgit will eventually reach 3.00 against the dollar in the next few weeks, probably by the first quarter of this year. The next level that we expect it to hit will be RM3.025," said a currency trader to Bernama here Monday.

Indonesia on Monday raised interest rate by 25 basis points as part of its effort to tackle inflationary pressure.

According to UOB Economic Treasury Research, the Philippines' and South Korea's central banks will likely announce their rate decisions on Thursday and Friday respectively.

The Philippines is expected to keep rates steady at four per cent while South Korea could raise rates by 25 basis points to three per cent, it said in its research note here Monday.

Since the start of this year, the ringgit has appreciated by 1.3 per cent and reported as the third best performer in Asia after the Taiwan dollar and the South Korean won.

Another dealer, meanwhile said the prolonged crisis in Egypt will continue to give impact to the dollar as the country is seen as an ally to the US.

At close on Monday, the ringgit ended trade at 3.0360/0390 against the dollar.