KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 — The ringgit ended lower against the US dollar although it strengthened versus other major currencies today, as the greenback remained supported by stronger-than-expected US manufacturing data.

At 6pm, the local currency eased against the greenback to 4.0945/0985 from yesterday’s close of 4.0935/0975.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the US dollar is likely to remain well supported as positive economic data from the United States reinforces confidence in the strength of the US economy.

“The US Dollar Index (DXY) surpassed the 100-point mark again after the US Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Index for July came in better than expected,” he told Bernama.

Nevertheless, Mohd Afzanizam said, the ringgit was mostly flat versus the US dollar and moved within a narrow range throughout the day.

The ringgit traded higher against a basket of major currencies at the close.

It appreciated versus the Japanese yen to 2.5929/5956 from 2.6062/6089 at yesterday’s close, strengthened vis-à-vis the euro to 4.7120/7166 from 4.7165/7211 yesterday, and edged up against the British pound to 5.5034/5088 from 5.5053/5107 previously.

The ringgit also traded higher against regional currencies.

It strengthened versus the Thai baht to 12.2487/2654 from 12.2663/2827 at yesterday’s close, rose against the Indonesian rupiah to 227.1/227.4 from 227.4/227.7 previously, appreciated vis-à-vis the Philippine peso to 6.69/6.70 from 6.72/6.73, and advanced against the Singapore dollar to 3.1899/1932 from 3.1911/1944. — Bernama