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Japan's yen surged past 158 per dollar on Thursday, triggering speculation of currency market intervention by Tokyo authorities. The move comes amid concerns over fiscal health and fresh spending proposals.
Malaysia's ringgit is forecast to trade between 3.90 and 4.20 against the US dollar in the second half of 2026, anchored by robust economic growth, a sustained merchandise trade surplus and the central bank's measured monetary stance.
The ringgit strengthened against most major currencies on Friday but weakened against the US dollar as new American trade protectionist measures unsettled regional markets.
The US dollar has scaled a fresh 39-year peak near 163 yen, driven by geopolitical risk appetite and expectations of higher US interest rates, despite Japan signalling readiness to intervene in currency markets.
Japan's Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the yen, which has recovered from 40-year lows following weak US jobs data. Tokyo maintains close coordination with Washington on currency matters.
The US dollar has slumped towards its worst weekly performance in three months following disappointing US job creation figures, reducing bets on imminent Federal Reserve rate hikes and offering respite to the embattled Japanese yen.
Japan's yen fell to a 39-year low against the US dollar, breaching the 162 mark amid expectations of Federal Reserve rate hikes. Market expectations of intervention have had limited impact on currency movements.