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 per cent 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.