Lew calls on Europe to pursue more growth policies

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew called on Europe's leaders to pursue pro-growth policies in the short term rather than trim their budget deficits, noting that the U.S. economy is "inextricably tied" to the health of its global partners.

Lew's comments were delivered in a speech at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies previewing this week's global finance meetings in Washington.

Earlier this week, the International Monetary Fund lowered its outlook for the world economy this year, predicting that government spending cuts will slow U.S. growth and keep the euro currency alliance in recession.

Lew also said he would keep pressing other countries to avoid pursuing policies aimed at gaining trade advantages. The comments underscored U.S. concerns about China and Japan devaluing their currency to make their products cheaper overseas.