The economy is faltering, City experts warn today.
The prediction follows a slowdown in factory output and a drop in retail spending. One banker warns of a 'real risk' of a High Street recession.

A report from the CBI shows retail sales last month suffered their biggest fall since July 1992.

The sudden note of pessimism comes the day before voting and as Tony Blair and Gordon Brown hail their economic record as the 'central issue' for the election.

Analysts said the economic outlook was deteriorating fast. 'The economy is tipping over and there is a real risk of a High Street recession,' said John Butler at HSBC.