Singapore’s Straits Times Index closed little changed at 2,772.20. The same number of stocks dropped as those that rose on the 30-member gauge.

Last night, US stocks ended slightly higher as mergers and acquisitions supported selected sectors, but investors pulled back from recent gains in some big-cap technology and bank shares.

Here are some stocks and factors to watch:

Singapore’s manufacturing PMI edges up on higher new orders and new export orders. Electronics expands for fourth month after October dip.

Asian banks including DBS Group (DBSM.SI) have been invited to help underwrite Prudential’s (PRU.L) US$20 billion ($28 billion) rights issue, sources with knowledge of the deal told Thomson Reuters.

Singapore Exchange (SGXL.SI) may be in focus today after its unit the Singapore Commodity Exchange secured a new licence that will allow it to operate a commodities market and clearing house.

Courage Marine Group reported a 53% increase in revenue to US$11.4 million ($16 million) for the three months ended Dec 31 as dry bulk freight rates recovered. Earnings increased by 91% to US$2.9 million.

Datapulse, a CD and DVD services provider, reported a 34% year-on-year decline in net profit to $6.2 million for the half year ended January

Sarin Technologies, the manufacturing of precision processing, evaluation and measurement equipment of diamonds and gems, says BHP Billiton has adopted its Galaxy 1000 automated internal diamond mapping equipment for the sale of rough diamonds to customers.

Chemoil (SGX-ST: CHEL.SI) announced that Emilio Heredia will assume the role of vice-president, trading for the Americas. Heredia has been with Chemoil since 1998 and has worked in a variety of key roles within the supply and trading department.