KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar today as risk sentiments improved on growing hopes for a deal in Washington to end a fiscal stand-off and possibly avoid a US default, dealers said.

The ringgit was quoted at 3.1710/1740 against the greenback from Monday's 3.1790/1820 close.

A dealer said the ringgit was in line with regional uptrends on optimism that Asian currencies would likely to be firm if the US extended its debt ceiling.

The ringgit also traded higher against other major currencies.

The domestic currency rose against the Singapore dollar to 2.5509/5553 from 2.5518/5544 on Monday and appreciated against the yen to 3.2173/2210 from 3.2333/2367 early in the week.

The local unit was up against the British pound to 5.0644/0695 from 5.0753/0807 Monday and firm against the euro to 4.2831/2878 from 4.3082/3129. — Bernama