The European Central Bank will keep interest rates unchanged at a record high on Thursday and is likely to push back on investor bets for aggressive policy easing this spring, despite recession risks and a rapid slowdown in inflation. The ECB ended its quickest rate hiking cycle in September but has been adamant that even discussing a reversal would be premature, since price pressures have yet to be fully extinguished and crucial wage talks remain ongoing. Investors, however, are betting that the ECB is getting it wrong on both growth and inflation, and will be forced to make an about-face sooner rather than later. ... (full story)