After much anticipation from investors, the question was finally answered when the Federal Reserve (Fed) at its October meeting last week lowered interest rates by 25 basis points, continuing the steps it had taken in September.
Ironically, the US dollar managed to show a strengthening in value starting after the FOMC meeting ended until the close of trading last week.
This is due to no confirmation from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell for further cuts at the December meeting.
However, market analysts still see a tendency for the Fed to further ease monetary policy.
The latest economic data this week will be important for the central bank's direction in setting its next policy.
The challenge is that the government shutdown in the United States (US) is still ongoing, which risks further delaying employment data.
Several statements by Fed officials at the end of last week also served as a reference for investors in addition to supporting the positive performance of the US dollar.
Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack on Friday expressed her view that interest rates do not need to be lowered due to labor market uncertainty with many public sector workers furloughed.
