KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit took a breather from recent gains to open lower against the US dollar today, weighed by a risk-off sentiment amid heightened global geopolitical tension, an analyst said.

At 8 am, the local note eased to 4.1595/1680 versus the greenback compared to yesterday's close of 4.1530/1610.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the US dollar Index (DXY) rose 0.42 per cent to 101.194 points as traders and investors were seeking shelter in light of the heightened uncertainties.