MNI BRIEF: 'No Surprise' For Me If ECB Hike In Sept- Simkus

Inflation persistence and wage pressures will almost certainly see the ECB raise rates again in July and possibly September, Gediminas Simkus, head of the Lithuanian Central Bank, told an MNI Connect livestreamed event Tuesday.

Indicating a July hike was as near certain as it could be, Simkus said the underlying inflationary pressures could need further policy action, and he "wouldn't be at all surprised" if the ECB hiked again in September.

However, pointing to the possibility of a September hike, Simkus was clear in saying there was still plenty of data to see before then, including inflation prints, lending statistics and financial market conditions. "Judgement also will play a part. If we simply knew what conditions triggered a move, we would have written a programme," he said.