[European Central Bank Governing Council Member: ECB Rate Hike Cycle Nearing Its End] BlockBeats News, September 14, Austria's new central bank governor and European Central Bank Governing Council member Martin Kocher stated in an interview that if there are no major shocks, the European Central Bank can temporarily maintain interest rates at 2%. "At present, this rate hike cycle has ended or is very close to ending," Kocher said. This Thursday, the European Central Bank decided for the second consecutive meeting to keep interest rates unchanged at 2%. Kocher noted that "if there are no significant changes in the data," the rationale for this month's decision will, to some extent, "remain valid in the next few ECB meetings." When asked about his personal stance, Kocher said he is currently "inclined to remain cautious in monetary policy" and advised against taking excessive risks on inflation issues. (Jin10)