International News - Wal-Mart slashes forecast following lacklustre sales

Wal-Mart has cut its September sales forecast following disappointing sales at the discount chain and its Sam's Club stores.

Wal-Mart said like-for-like sales increases for the month will be lower at 3 to 4 per cent than the 4 to 6 per cent suggested last week.

The retailer said it had over-estimated comparative growth for the anniversary of last year's terrorist attacks. It said this was coupled with the issue of tax rebate checks last year that were part of President Bush's tax-cut package, which were responsible for boosting sales last year.

The official announcement of last month's sales will take place on Thursday.