March 18 (Reuters) - Futures tied to Canada's main stock

index were flat on Tuesday as investors awaited the U.S. Federal

Reserve's outlook on interest rates and economic growth in the

backdrop of an ongoing trade war.

The S&P/TSX index futures were up 0.04% at 0650 ET

(1050 GMT). U.S. stock index futures also struggled for

direction.

The benchmark index rallied for a second straight

day on Monday as some investors looked at the recent

tariff-related selloff as a buying opportunity.

The Fed is widely expected to keep rates unchanged after its

two-day meeting ends on Wednesday, but policymakers' views are

now more significant amid the US' trade war with its key

partners such as Canada, China and Europe.

The Bank of Canada had raised concerns about inflationary

pressures and weaker growth stemming from trade uncertainty

after its policy meeting last week.

President Donald Trump's tariff hikes are expected to put

inflationary pressures and drag down growth in Canada, Mexico

and the U.S., the OECD forecast on Monday.

Canada's commodity-heavy benchmark index, however, could

benefit from higher oil and gold prices.

Oil prices rose more than 1% on Tuesday, supported by

instability in the Middle East and China's plans for more

economic stimulus.

Gold hit another record high above $3,000, with investors

seeking the safe haven asset amid concerns about the trade war

and conflict flaring in the Middle East.

In corporate news, Canadian insurer Manulife Financial ( MFC )

on Monday named Steve Finch as the CEO and president of

its Asia unit, effective from May 9.

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($1 = 1.4291 Canadian dollars)