Kuala Lumpur:First paragraph of the news story.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ringgit opened slightly higher against the US dollar and a basket of major currencies on Tuesday, with ongoing geopolitical risks leading to defensive positioning in the market.

At 8 am, the ringgit strengthened to 4.0800/0865 compared to Monday's close of 4.0805/0845 against the US dollar. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr. Mohd Afzanizam observed that Brent crude oil prices remained above US$106 per barrel on Monday due to the persistent US-Iran standoff, highlighting concerns over energy-driven inflation.

He added that the rise in US Treasury yields, with two-year and 10-year yields around 4.9 and 5.2 percent respectively, increases the appeal of US dollar assets, potentially limiting the demand for emerging-market currencies like the ringgit.

The ringgit also appreciated against several major currencies. It edged up against the euro to 4.6390/6464 from 4.6416/6461, against the British pound to 5.4072/4158 from 5.4099/4152, and against the Japanese yen to 2.5928/5971 from 2.5994/6021.

However, the ringgit eased against the Singapore dollar to 3.1937/1991 from 3.1914/1948 and remained relatively stable against the Philippine peso at 6.52/6.54 from 6.52/6.53. It was unchanged against the Indonesian rupiah at 226.9/227.3 from 226.9/227.2, and it gained against the Thai baht to 12.1338/1589 from 12.1429/1588.