Wall Street shares close lower after tranquil session

Share prices closed moderately lower after a session that was unusually tranquil by recent standards and caused some optimists to ponder whether the recently chaotic market could be approaching a sustainable bottom, dealers said.

The DJIA closed down 82.24 points at 7,702.34, after a relatively tame day, in contrast to Monday when it closed below the 8,000 level for the first time since 1998 after a heavy selloff and to Friday when it lost more than 400 points.