Communications-services companies ticked down as traders weighed the outlook for deals in the sector.

Comcast gave back some of the gains associated with its decision to split its cable unit from NBC Universal television-and-movie studios.

Netflix rose sharply Thursday, arresting a recent slide. Shares of Netflix remain 15% in the red for the year to date.

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

(END) Dow Jones Newswires