Financial markets are now almost equally divided on whether the European Central Bank (ECB) will raise interest rates again next month, following what was perceived as a hawkish statement from the central bank on Thursday. LSEG data indicates that markets are pricing in a 49% chance of an ECB rate hike by October 29, an 89% chance by December 17 if no hike occurs by then, and a 36% chance that the deposit rate will reach 3% before Christmas. The ECB's decision on Thursday to raise rates by 25 basis points to 2.5% was in line with market expectations.