Bailout

KEEPING SCORE: The Dow Jones industrial average fell 15 points, or 0.1 percent, to 17,461 as of 10:32 a.m. Eastern time. The Standard & Poor's 500 index slipped one point, or less than 0.1 percent, to 2,090. The Nasdaq composite rose two points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 5,050.

MIXED BAG: Five of the 10 industry sectors of the S&P 500 index fell, led by a 0.4 percent drop in financial stocks.

A European Commission spokeswoman, Mina Andreeva, said the lenders are hoping to finalize the 85-billion euro ($92.5 billion) agreement in time for a major Greek debt repayment in two weeks.

"We believe this is an ambitious yet possible timetable," she said. "Our teams (have been) on the ground (for) almost two weeks, and they report satisfactory progress."

The government is relying on opposition party support for approval in parliament of new austerity measures demanded by bailout lenders, following a revolt by nearly one fourth of its own lawmakers.

Government spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili said the government would not form a national unity government and described early elections as "likely."

"A solution will be found, since the country needs a strong government," Gerovasili told private Skai television. "(Early) elections are likely but that doesn't mean we will be dealing today with when they will take place."

But the government faced rebuke following revelations that former finance minister, Yanis Varoufakis, formed a secret committee to plan for the possible conversion of euros into drachmas "at a drop of a hat."

Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos said late Monday that meetings in Athens had begun between Greek officials and negotiating teams representing creditors, with talks to intensify Tuesday, paving the way for higher level discussions possibly by the end of the week.