OctaFX: August inflation data may give more power to the ringgit

• Inflation in Malaysia slowed to 2.0% in July. Annual consumer inflation is expected to remain unchanged in August.
• Due to economic growth and easing inflation, Malaysia's central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at the last meeting.
• In the current economic conditions, USDMYR will decline towards 4.520 and possibly lower.

According to official data released last month, Malaysia's annual inflation rate slowed to 2.0% in July from 2.4% in June. Lower inflation rates were recorded in Food and non-alcoholic beverages (4.4% in July from 4.7% in June) and Restaurants and hotels (5.0% in July from 5.4% in June). Overall, Malaysia's inflation rate of 2.0% was lower than that of neighbouring regions, with July inflation in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore standing at 3.1%, 4.7%, and 4.1%, respectively.

The Central Bank of Malaysia is satisfied with the reduction in inflation and kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at the last monetary policy meeting as economic growth and inflation continued to ease.

'We see the continued growth of the Malaysian economy,' said Kar Yong Ang. 'With low consumer inflation and a signal from Malaysia's central bank that the ringgit continues to demonstrate its strength, we tend to assume that USDMYR will decline towards 4.520 and possibly lower,' he added.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.