KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit strengthened to close at 3.97 against the US dollar today, as optimism returned following a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran in the West Asia conflict.

At 6 pm, the local note appreciated to 3.9735/9785 against the US dollar from 4.0275/0320 at Tuesday’s close, marking a return to below the 4.00 psychological level, with a day-to-day appreciation of 1.31 per cent.