Stocks recovered more than half their losses, but still closed in negative territory Tuesday as political uncertainty in Greece kept investors on edge.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered from a 198-point plunge but still logged a five-day losing streak, slumping 76.44 points, or 0.59 percent, to close at 12,932.09. BofA and Hewlett-Packard led the blue-chip laggards.

The S&P 500 erased 5.86 points, or 0.43 percent, to finish at 1,363.72. The Nasdaq slid 11.49 points, or 0.39 percent, to end at 2,946.27. Both indexes hit two-month lows earlier in the session.

The CBOE Volatility Index, widely considered the best gauge of fear in the market, ended above 19.

Most key S&P sectors closed in the red, led by consumer discretionary and financials, while defensive sectors health care andutilities eked out small gains.

HBC News & Analysis

 UPDATE 4-Mexico annual growth slows sharply, govt cuts forecast - 17 May 2013 EDT

 Glencore Shareholders Dump Chairman in Coup - 16 May 2013 EDT

 UPDATE 5-Ex-BP boss Hayward takes Glencore chair after Xstrata clearout - 16 May 2013 EDT

 UPDATE 4-Glencore dumps chairman Bond as clears Xstrata from board - 16 May 2013 EDT

 ANALYSIS-Consumer stocks shine in emerging market profit gloom - 16 May 2013 EDT

 More HBC News