CANADA STOCKS-TSX futures rise after Trump backtracks Fed chair criticism

April 23 (Reuters) - Futures for Canada's main stock index rose on Wednesday as investors drew relief from U.S. President Donald Trump saying he had no plans to fire the head of the Federal Reserve, and hinting at a possible trade deal with China.

June futures on the S&P/TSX index SXFcv1 were up 1.3% at 7.26 a.m. ET (1126 GMT).

Markets this week have wrestled with concerns over the Fed's independence, following repeated criticism from Trump over Powell's refusal to cut interest rates.

Trump also said he wanted to reach a deal with China where tariffs would not be anywhere near 145%, adding that he would set the terms of a deal if Beijing did not enter talks.

The TSX composite index .GSPTSE rose to a near three-week high on Tuesday as some optimism took hold of a letup in the global trade war.

In Canada, Trump's tariff threats and annexation rhetoric have united two main election candidates in a rare consensus as both pledge to fast-track energy projects reducing U.S. export dependence ahead of the April 28 vote.

On the day, Canada's energy companies might get support from rising oil prices after a fresh round of U.S. sanctions on Iran and drop in U.S. crude stocks.

Meanwhile, copper prices scaled three-week peaks as worries about global trade tensions eased

Gold prices, however, dipped on Wednesday.

On the economic front, Canadian retail sales data on Friday will offer insights into consumer spending patterns amid the uncertainty around U.S. tariffs.

In corporate news, telecommunications service provider Rogers Communication RCIb.TO reported first quarter profit and revenue below analysts' estimates, according to LSEG data.

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