Consumer stocks slide on spending stresses - FTSE

Consumer spending concerns are sending stocks lower, with international food, home and personal care manufacturer Unilever pounded early – currently 6.27% down to 1705. Premium drink giant Diageo is also struggling, 4.09% lower to 1008 and British Energy is down 3.87% to 559.50. On a positive note, house builders are keeping the FTSE afloat, with Persimmon currently 3.18% ahead to 665.50. International directories company the Yell Group is also doing well, up 2.69% to 334.50. In New York, Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke alluded to further interest rate cuts, sending the Dow Jo...