Wall Street stocks fell on Tuesday on increased worry over uncertain negotiations among Washington power brokers seeking to avoid a US debt default.

While the White House pointed to some progress in the latest round of talks with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, markets are beginning to get more worried about the situation, analysts said.

The Dow Jones finished down 0.7 percent at 33,055.

The S&P 500 slid 1.1 percent to 4,145, while the Nasdaq dropped 1.3 percent to 12,560.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said an agreement must be reached by June 1.

"I think the realisation hit people today, that for lack of a better word, it is getting close," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers.

"This is the first time that I really think there's been some real nervousness expressed about the debt situation," Sosnick said.

Even if McCarthy and Biden can hammer out a broad deal, anything they agree to will need to be shepherded through the House of Representatives, where they face pressure from hardliners on both sides not to make too many concessions.

Among individual companies, Broadcom advanced 1.2 percent after Apple announced a new multi-year multibillion dollar agreement for Broadcom to develop new 5G radio components. Apple shed 1.5 percent.

Lowe's advanced 1.7 percent despite lowering full-year projections due to "softer-than-expected consumer demand for discretionary purchases."

Others that reported results included AutoZone, down 5.9 percent, Dick's Sporting Goods, down 1.4 percent and Williams-Sonoma, down 0.3 percent. (AFP)