Dow slumps on poor retail figures

As at 15.45 GMT, the index is down 0.49% or 59 points to 12,208, with Exxon Mobil and Intel racking up the biggest losses. The Dow's negative showing comes after Commerce Department figures showed US retail sales rose in January by a disappointing 0.3% - short of the expected 0.6% increase as heavy snow dented hopes of a jump in sales. In addition, December's figure was revised down from 0.6% to 0.5%. London's FTSE, meanwhile, is also languishing in negative territory following release of US retail sales figures. In afternoon trading, the blue-chip index is down 0.47%, or 28 points, ...