[European Central Bank Expected to Hold Steady Next Week, Market Focuses on Economic Forecasts and Rate Hike Signals] BlockBeats News, December 14, the Financial Times analysis pointed out that given European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde's view that the bank is in a 'good position,' investors unanimously expect the ECB to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 2% next week and instead focus on its economic forecasts. Lagarde stated this week that policymakers may once again raise growth forecasts for the eurozone during the meeting. These stronger growth forecasts, along with persistent inflation, have recently led traders to increase their bets on ECB rate hikes next year. However, as the potential shift in monetary policy direction remains contentious and swap market pricing has only reflected this change in recent weeks, traders will pay close attention to clues regarding the timing of rate hikes. Any adjustments to policy signals are expected to be subtle. George Moran, Eurozone economist at RBC Capital Markets, stated that he does not expect the ECB to raise rates in 2026 because 'cyclical tailwinds may be temporary.' He added that the ECB has 'clearly indicated it does not want to overreact to situations of temporary deviation from its targets.' (Jin10)