Dow dips on shock retail data

The US blue chip index fell 27.74 points (0.3%) to 9,333.87 as sales at US retailers unexpectedly fell 0.1% last month. According to the Commerce Department, which says July's fall was the first in three months, the figures further highlight the threat to spending by the continued deterioration of the jobs market. American Express tumbled 1.35% to $31.36 while communications giant AT&T shed 1.13% to $25.36. However, Bank of America gained 4.01% to $16.57 as hedge fund Paulson & Co bought 168 million shares in the firm in Q2, becoming the lender's fourth largest shareholder. Else...