S&P/ASX 200 set to open flat: 4 shares to watch

The S&P/ASX 200 (Index:^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) is expected to trade flat today following mixed leads from international markets. Shares in focus will include Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX:TLS), Orion Health Group Ltd (ASX:OHE), ASX Ltd (ASX:ASX) and Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX:NCM).

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The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade flat today following mixed leads from international markets.

Here's a recap:

  • Dow Jones (USA): down 0.1%
  • NASDAQ (USA): down 0.36%
  • FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.07%
  • DAX (Germany): up 0.6%
  • CAC 40 (France): up 0.2%

In Europe, banks and mining shares buoyed markets in the wake of growing prospects of further monetary easing from the Bank of Japan. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 2.33% and 1.31% higher, respectively.

US markets ended mostly flat as earnings season kicked off and markets pinned hopes on more stimulus measures in China.

Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a flat start for the S&P/ASX 200.

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares will be in focus after the telecommunications behemoth announced this morning it appointed former AMP Limited (ASX: AMP) CEO and managing director, Craig Dunn, to its board as a non-executive director. Telstra said Mr Dunn is an experienced business leader with a background in financial services and pan-Asian business activities and has expertise in financial technology.

Orion Health Group Ltd (ASX: OHE) announced it has signed two new contracts that will "significantly extend its presence in the United Kingdom." The New Zealand-based technology business said it will provide a comprehensive technology solution for two leading hospitals in London, and implement a health and social care solution for NHS Fife in Scotland.

Finally, in broker news, UBS analysts cut their Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) price target to $8.47 from $8.66 while Macquarie analysts lifted their ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX) price target to $40.30 from $39.20, according to Dow Jones Newswires.

Motley Fool Contributor Owen Raszkiewicz does not have a financial interest in any company mentioned. Owen welcomes -- and encourages -- your feedback on Google+, LinkedIn or you can follow him on Twitter @ASXinvest. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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