IMF Chief Lagarde

Government borrowing costs across the single-currency bloc tumbled to record lows and euro zone blue-chip stocks hit their highest in more than a year after Lagarde was appointed

EU leaders announced a deal to fill the top positions in the political and economic bloc, including picking Lagarde to succeed ECB chief Mario Draghi

In a statement, Lagarde said that she was "honored to have been nominated" and would temporarily relinquish her responsibilities at the IMF while EU lawmakers look to ratify her appointment

Lagarde told Reuters in an interview, however, that such tariff threats were sapping business and market confidence, and could slow growth that is currently expected to improve next year

Christine Lagarde's remarks come as some central bankers around the world face increased pressure to bend to the objectives of political leaders and heads of state

Lagarde urged policymakers to address economic vulnerabilities, especially by reducing high government debt

She urged world leaders to remember the lesson of the global recession that followed the 2008 financial crisis

Lagarde said she remained optimistic that disputes between nations could be ironed out

Lagarde told Reuters in an interview on Thursday that tax cuts can lift the U.S. growth rate by about 1.2 percentage points

Lagarde's remarks echoed concerns in financial markets which have been in turmoil amid fears that rising US inflation

Lagarde says 'opening barriers' is always a welcome step