New York, March 23 - Major US stock indices fell slightly Tuesday after some disappointing profit reports.

Drugstore chain Walgreen's and cruise-line operator Carnival led the share losses after posting worse-than-expected earnings reports.

Stocks traded lower on concerns that Europe was struggling to get its fiscal crisis under control. Portugal's government was under threat of collapse as its Parliament was expected to reject a new austerity package Wednesday.

The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 17.9 points, or 0.15 percent, to 12,018.63. The broader Standard and Poor's 500 Index was down 4.61 points, or 0.36 percent, to 1,298.77. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 8.22 points, or 0.31 percent, to 2,683.87.

The drop ended a three-day rally that came as investor concerns over the spate of major international crises in Libya and Japan appeared to be easing.

The dollar edged lower against the Japanese currency to 80.93 yen from 81.03 yen Monday. The US currency inched higher against the euro to 70.43 euro cents from 70.3 euro cents. (dpa)