The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AJXO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade flat following mixed leads from international markets overnight.
Here's a recap:
Dow Jones (USA): down 0.1%
NASDAQ (USA): up 0.14%
FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.39%
DAX (Germany): down 0.41%
EURO STOXX 50 (Europe): down 0.8%
In the US, falls in oil prices offset some positive sentiment spurred by earnings reports. In Europe, markets tread water and finished modestly lower, despite iron ore prices rising sharply. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) rose 0.1% and fell 1.1%, respectively.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a flat open for the S&P/ASX 200.
In company-specific news, BHP Billiton will be in key focus after credit rating agency Standard & Poor's said it has lowered its credit rating from A+ to A. Also, it's been placed on 'CreditWatch with negative implications' pending the release of its half-year results for the period ended 31 December 2015. That could mean the mining giant will be forced to scrap its 'progressive' dividend policy to maintain a strong balance sheet.
Fletcher Building Limited (Australia) (ASX: FBU) announced it will acquire road construction and maintenance business, Higgins Group Holdings Limited for NZ$315 million. Meanwhile, software developer Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) has signed an OEM agreement with Dassault Systemes to bring together Altium's printed circuit board technology with SOLIDWORKS.
Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX: DMP) announced the completion of its acquisition of Joey's Pizza. Computershare Limited (ASX: CPU) has been appointed preferred supplier in the UK Asset Resolution Limited tender process.
Navitas Limited (ASX: NVT) delivered its half-year report to the market showing an 8% rise in revenue and 43% jump in profit after tax.
Finally, in broker news, Macquarie analysts cut the News Corp (ASX: NWS) price target 3.5% to $24.25 per share, while analysts at Deutsche Bank raised their Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) share price target 6.3% to $67, according to Dow Jones Newswires.