Czech c.bank ups rates by 25 bps to 3.50 pct

...after a two-month pause in the face of a worsening inflation outlook.

Policymakers bumped the main two-week repo rate up by 25 basis points to 3.50 percent , following 150 basis points of increases in the past two years.

Analysts were almost equally divided on whether rates would hold steady or rise this month because of a record strong crown and the prospect of a slowing consumption growth promised to dampen resurgent inflation.

A news conference was called for 3:30 p.m. (1430 GMT) to elaborate on the decision. (Reporting by Marek Petrus; editing by Alan Crosby)

Keywords: CZECH RATES/

[PRAGUE/Reuters/Finance.cz]