KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit closed lower against the US dollar on Friday as persistent expectations of a possible US Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate hike later this year continued to drive the greenback.

At 6 pm, the local note fell to 4.1340/1395 against the greenback from 4.1145/1195 at Thursday's close.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the prospect of higher US interest rates supported the greenback, exerting pressure on Asian currencies, including the ringgit.