European Central Bank officials expect to raise interest rates by 25 basis points at the December 17 meeting, lifting the deposit rate from 2.50% to 2.75%, according to Reuters and Bloomberg sources familiar with the matter. One official stated that unless energy prices suddenly plunge, a December hike is "all but certain," though officials emphasized no decision has been made and developments in the Middle East could change the situation rapidly. The signals come after the ECB announced on Thursday that it kept rates unchanged. Officials indicated they may pause further tightening after the anticipated December move.