From MARKET TALK:

1048 GMT [Dow Jones] US stocks are called to start lower Monday with the DJIA forecast to drop back from the 14,000 level, says Fawad Razaqzada, Market Strategist at GFT Markets. Calls the DJIA down 16 points at 13994 and the S&P two points lower at 1511. "Earnings season is starting to wind down so this could take some of the excitement out of the market and will also serve to focus investors' minds on other key factors such as the next round on Capitol Hill," Razaqzada says. Data are thin on the ground with US industrial new orders at 1500 GMT. The DJIA front month futures contract is currently down 0.1% at 13923.00 and S&P 500 futures contract is also 0.1% lower at 1505.10. (nina.bains@dowjones.com)

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HOT STOCKS TO WATCH

Among companies with shares expected to actively trade in Monday's session is Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO).

Brown & Brown's fourth-quarter earnings rose 17% as the insurance agency and brokerage firm continued to report top-line growth from commissions and fees. Shares were up 1.9% to $28 in after-hours trading as results beat analyst expectations.

Watch List:

Standard & Poor's downgraded its rating on NII Holdings Inc. (NIHD) one notch further into speculative territory, noting the wireless carrier's credit measures have deteriorated from factors including a delay in deploying 3G networks in its markets, primarily Brazil.

Moody's Investors Service placed its rating on Scientific Games Corp. (SGMS) on review for a possible downgrade, noting the company's plans to buy gaming-machine maker WMS Industries Inc. (WMS) for $1.5 billion will increase its leverage.

Wet Seal Inc. (WTSLA) unveiled a series of cost-reduction efforts, including the elimination of the chief operating officer position, that will save the teen-clothing retailer about $5.5 million this year.

Yahoo Inc.'s (YHOO) biggest shareholder has sold 11 million shares, as it seeks to maintain a consistent percentage holding in the Internet firm amid Yahoo's aggressive stock buyback program.

Write to Nathalie Tadena at nathalie.tadena@dowjones.com

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