Short stocks: Bets build against techs

(Replaces story "Short stocks: Bets build against commodities" issued on Aug. 26 that was based on incorrect data from the New York Stock Exchange)

NEW YORK, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Short interest on the New York Stock Exchange fell 2.8 percent in mid August, while it dropped 5.7 percent on the Nasdaq.

The following stocks saw increased interest from short sellers, who bet that a certain stock's price will fall. The data reflect short trades with a settlement date of Aug. 15, 2008.

SPRINT NEXTEL CORPORATION (S.N)

Short interest in the wireless company rose 21 percent to 88.5 million, or 3.1 percent of its shares outstanding.

On Aug.22, Clearwire Corp (CLWR.O) said it would issue its shareholders about $1.62 billion worth of shares in its wireless joint venture with Sprint in exchange for Sprint's existing Clearwire shares.

GT SOLAR INTERNATIONAL INC (SOLR.O)

Short interest in the solar equipment maker rose 102 percent to 6.7 million or 4.7 percent of its outstanding shares.

Stocks in solar companies have fallen this year on fears that cuts to or elimination of government subsidies in Spain and the United States and a weakening global economy could hamper demand for renewable energy sources. On Aug. 26, in its first earnings release since becoming public in July, the company reported a profit.

ELECTRONIC ARTS INC (ERTS.O)

Short interest in the video game publisher rose 34.6 percent to 17.5 million, or 5.5 percent of its outstanding shares.

The company has been in on-again, off-again talks to take over Take-Two Interactive Software Inc(TTWO.O), publisher of "Grand Theft Auto."

For additional information, see [ID:N27493898]

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The original story was withdrawn on Wednesday because it was based on incorrect data from the New York Stock Exchange. (Reporting by Phil Wahba)