U.S. stocks close slightly lower

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Facebook Twitter Reddit Digg E-mail Print Rss

NEW YORK — Stock indexes are closing slightly lower as talks drag on between Greek political leaders over a fresh austerity package required for the country to get more bailout loans.

President Nicolas Sarkozy of France and German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Greek leaders that they need to push through spending cuts and other measures or risk letting the country go bankrupt.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 17 points to close at 12,845. Travelers Cos. Inc. led the Dow lower with a 1.3 percent loss.

The S&P 500 index fell less than 1 point to 1,344. The Nasdaq composite fell 4 points to 2,902.

Nearly three stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Trading volume was lighter than average at 3.3 billion.

Guidelines: Please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. If a comment violates these standards or our privacy statement or visitor's agreement, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report abuse. To post comments, you must be a Facebook member. To find out more, please visit the FAQ.