1.   Banks and builders, companies that would be hurt if the economy stalls and stocks tumble further, led the decline.

2.   Drug issues gained as investors snatched up shares of companies which can maintain earnings growth if the economy stalls.

3.   Drug issues climbed as investors snatched up shares of companies which can maintain earnings growth if the economy stalls.

4.   FED CONCERNED ABOUT LOAN POLICIES The Federal Reserve is concerned that lending standards at banks are slipping, presenting dangers should the economy stall.

5.   Investors perceive large companies as less likely to go out of business if the economy stalls.

6.   Oil prices are lower than they have been in two years, and as the global economy stalls and demand drops, they could go even lower.

7.   The long-term surplus forecasts are subject to change, especially if the slowing economy stalls into a recession.

8.   Whatever the political significance of the move, the change clearly gives Blair somebody to blame should the robust British economy stall.