Dow slumps on poor retail figures

The Dow Jones is trading in the red after lower than expected US retail sales figures weighed on investor sentiment.

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, ...