KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to trade lower against the US dollar next week, moving between 4.44-4.45, a dealer said. He said the local currency would be influenced by external economic conditions, including any decision and announcement made by US President Donald Trump. “Sentiment will also be influenced by an expected US interest rate hike anytime soon following the strong employment and inflation data released,” the dealer said. Meanwhile, for the months of December 2016 and January 2017, BNM said exports conversion exceeded imports by US$372.9 million and US$741.3 million respectively. On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the ringgit was traded lower at 4.4510/4550 against the greenback from last Friday’s 4.4420/4470.

Source: New Strait Times February 18, 2017 06:56 UTC