The ringgit eased only slightly against the US dollar on Tuesday (27 Oct), closing at 4.0865/4.0900 at 6pm from 4.0855/4.0895 on Monday, but finished firmer against the pound, yen, euro and most Asean currencies, according to Free Malaysia Today. Brent crude was around US$116 a barrel as markets awaited the FOMC decision. ## A tiny move against the dollar, gains elsewhere Against the pound the ringgit rose to 5.4412/5.4458 from 5.4517/5.4570; against the yen to 2.5903/2.5927 from 2.5961/2.5988; and against the euro to 4.5524/4.5563 from 4.5774/4.5819. Among Asean currencies it strengthened against the Singapore dollar, the rupiah and the peso. The exception was the Thai baht, where the ringgit weakened to 12.1010/12.1160 from 12.0766/12.0930. These are the 6pm closing quotes reported by the news outlet. ## Why the dollar is steady Bank Muamalat chief economist Afzanizam Rashid told Bernama that high Brent crude points to a visible risk of higher inflation, which could shape the FOMC's stance, and that the ringgit has been "quite steady" despite heightened uncertainty. This is his reading, not the only explanation: higher energy prices can raise inflation concerns and change policy expectations, and markets often position ahead of the decision. ## Who may be affected Importers paying in dollars, families sending money abroad and retail traders in USD/MYR may be affected. A stronger ringgit against the euro, pound and yen may lower import costs from those markets and may affect export competitiveness. None of this is a trading signal. Use a licensed broker and avoid transferring money to personal accounts.