KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened firmer against the US dollar today on renewed buying interest, tracking the steadier oil prices, said an analyst. At 9 am, the local currency stood at 4.0985/1015 against the greenback from Wednesday’s close of 4.1000/1050. Markets were closed on Thursday for Nuzul al-Quran public holiday. On Thursday, benchmark Brent crude rose 1.61 per cent to US$68.41-- a six-week high as the US economy’s brighter outlook and oil demand offset bearish demand prospects from the COVID crisis in India. Locally, the analyst also said Malaysia's positive trade performance data for March 2021, coupled with the resumption of economic activities and global stimulus spending helped lift the sentiments for the local currency.