By Yoruk Bahceli and Stefano Rebaudo

LONDON, Dec 12 (Reuters) – The European Central bank meets next Thursday, with traders suddenly speculating a rate hike could be on the cards in 2026.

Since policymakers last met in October, there has been more evidence to back up their mantra that policy remains in a “good place”. Having taken further cuts off the table, investors will watch whether the ‍ECB gives them reason to stick with rate hike bets.

Here are five key questions for markets:

1/ What will the ECB do next week?

Hold its key rate at 2% for a fourth straight meeting.

Recent data shows the economy grew 0.3% in the third quarter, much faster than the ECB had forecast in September, and that inflation is proving stickier than expected.

ECB chief Christine Lagarde has already set the

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