FTSE falls amid fears of slow economy

However, losses were offset by an optimistic retail sector, buoyed by reports that Christmas spending will be greater than expected, with Tate & Lyle shares climbing 2.75 points (0.62%) to 448.5p, and Smiths Group added 6 points (0.57%) to £10.59. Mitchells & Butlers shares fared badly over signs that the credit crunch was constricting consumer spending in restaurants and bars, down 26.5 points (4.85%) to 520p. HBOS, the UK’s largest bank, saw major losses as worries over the sub-prime mortgage crisis continue and shares fell 30.5 points (3.81%) to 769.5p. The Dow Jones also fell, by 5...