Malaysia, Singapore currencies rise on tight policies ahead of Jackson Hole

TOKYO — Malaysia and Singapore’s currencies have strengthened to 18-month highs against the dollar over the past couple of months due to their tight monetary policies.

The two currencies’ rise stood out as most Asian currencies generally improved performance against the dollar, as the U.S. Federal Reserve contemplates a rate cut. Analysts and investors will be looking for signs of easing in Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at the central bank’s economic policy symposium on Aug. 22-24 at Jackson Hole, Wyoming.