Internet reports that European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde made it clear that she hoped that US President Trump would not fire Federal Reserve Chairman Powell. When asked if this posed a significant risk to the market, Lagarde said: "I sincerely hope it will not happen... This should not become a real threat." Faced with questioning from reporters, Lagarde declined to comment on the market impact of the "hypothetical scenario", emphasizing that she firmly believed that the matter was "not under consideration." Recently, Trump has continued to pressure Powell to cut interest rates, warning that otherwise it will lead to economic slowdown. Powell hit back last week that a trade war could both curb growth and push up inflation, and reiterated that the Federal Reserve would maintain policy patience.