Communications services companies fell sharply as a rally in the sector stalled.

AT&T shares sank as a research analyst downgraded the stock following a Wall Street Journal investigation that revealed that U.S. phone companies have left behind a network of cables covered in toxic lead.

Shares of Scandinavian telecom-equipment giants Nokia and Ericsson tumbled after a buildout of new telecom networks ground to a halt in North America and elsewhere.

Nokia shares fell after the Finnish telecom-equipment giant warned about a shortfall in sales.


Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

07-14-23 1743ET