S&P/TSX composite rises Wednesday, U.S. markets also up on China trade hopes

TORONTO — Canada’s main stock index and U.S. markets pared back earlier gains but still ended the day up as investors took in the latest comments from U.S. President Donald Trump and the White House. Trump said late Tuesday he would not attempt to fire the head of the U.S. Federal Reserve, after previously calling Jerome Powell a “major loser” because the Fed hasn’t been cutting interest rates. As well, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commented that he expects a “de-escalation” in the trade war with China. “There is an opportunity for a big deal here," he said. Markets rallied…