KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 19 -- - The ringgit opened slightly higher against the US dollar on Friday, holding at the 4.08 level, supported by growing expectations of a softer US monetary policy outlook and recent global central bank developments.

At 8 am, the ringgit strengthened to 4.0820/0940 against the US dollar from 4.0840/0880 at Thursday's close.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said expectations of an interest rate cut in 2026 have been gaining traction following softer-than-expected US inflation data.

It was reported that US inflation in November came in below expectations at 2.7 per cent, compared with consensus estimates of 3.1 per cent. Similarly, core inflation moderated to 2.6 per cent fr...