KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit declined sharply against the US dollar in early trade today as the greenback strengthened following a more brighter outlook for the US economy, dealers said.

This comes after the US Federal Open Market Committee meeting yesterday, with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, painting a much more optimistic picture for the country's economy.

The ringgit was sharply lower against the US dollar at 3.1980/2000 from 3.1490/1520 yesterday.

The local currency was also lower against the Singapore dollar at 2,5211/5243 from 2.5042/5074, but higher against the yen at 3.3085/3123 from 3.3130/3175.

The ringgit was easier against the British pound at 4.9463/9498 from 4.9175/9237 and lower against the euro at 4.2479/2512 from 4.2165/2215. -- BERNAMA