OPR likely to be unchanged; Ringgit forecast at 4.25 vs USD year-end - Kenanga

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is likely to keep the overnight policy rate (OPR) unchanged for the next 12 to 15 months, with inflation pressures subdued and the economic outlook stable, said Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga).

However, fiscal policy shifts and external risks, such as geopolitical tensions, could still influence the central bank's stance, it said in a research note today.

Meanwhile, the investment bank revised its year-end forecast for the ringgit versus US dollar to 4.25 from 4.42 previously, premised on Malaysia's favourable yield differentials, the United States (US) Federal Reserve's (Fed) interest rate cuts, and China's economic recovery.

"As anticipated, the market has adjusted its expectations, now only pricing in two 25 basis point cuts by the Fed this year, following stronger-than-expected US September labour data.

"While domestic fundamentals should continue to underpin the ringgit, we remain vigilant of external risks, particularly the prospect of a sharper US economic downturn, election-related uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions," said Kenanga.

-- BERNAMA