Strong ECB statement equivalent to a bigger rate hike, Holzmann says

VIENNA - The European Central Bank's message that it is serious about fighting inflation was a strong signal equivalent to a bigger increase in interest rates, ECB hawk Robert Holzmann said on Friday.

"It is a toughly hawkish statement that for me is equivalent to the 75 (basis-point increase previously suggested)," Holzmann told a news conference. The ECB raised rates by 50 basis points and signalled it would do the same at future meetings.