Trump says won't fire Fed chief, signals China tariffs will come down

Washington: Donald Trump said Tuesday he had no intention of firing the chair of the US Federal Reserve and signalled a substantial lowering of tari...

Washington: Donald Trump said Tuesday he had no intention of firing the chair of the US Federal Reserve and signalled a "substantial" lowering of tariffs on China -- bringing relief to global markets spooked by his aggressive trade policies.

Trump's recent outbursts against Fed boss Jerome Powell had fanned concern that he would oust him, sending jitters through markets.

The president had criticized Powell for warning that the White House's sweeping tariffs policy would likely reignite inflation.

"I have no intention of firing him," Trump said Tuesday. "I would like to see him be a little more active in terms of his idea to lower interest rates -- it's a perfect time to lower interest rates.

"If he doesn't, is it the end? No."