KUALA LUMPUR, April 24- The ringgit opened softer against the US dollar on Thursday, tracking the gradual rise of the US dollar index (DXY), as US President Donald Trump was seen softening his stance on tariff policy.

At 8.00 am, the local unit stood slightly easier at 4.3970/4100 against the greenback, compared with Wednesday’s close of 4.3880/3925.

The DXY rose 0.95 per cent to 99.857 points, while the two-year US Treasury yield climbed five basis points to 3.87 per cent.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the financial market reflected a sense of relief, as the Trump administration signalled it might reduce the tariffs imposed on China.