U.K. production slump sends pound tumbling.

U.K. manufacturing and industrial production unexpectedly fell in January, renewing fears that Britain will enter a triple-dip recession. Manufacturing output dropped 1.5% on month and industrial production 1.2%, with the latter hurt by the suspension of a North Sea oil platform. The pound sank to $1.4832, its lowest since June 2010, after the data was released, and was -0.4% at $1.4855 at midday in Europe.