Markets Open Flat

Moody's warned that France's credit rating may receive a negative outlook. The market opened flat with the Dow slipping 2 points to 11,394 while Nasdaq added 2 points to 2617.

On the upside

Human Genome Sciences (Nasdaq: HGSI) will release third quarter earnings and host a conference call on Tuesday, October 25.  

Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) reversed year ago losses to post a better than expected profit for the third quarter. 

Kodiak Oil & Gas (NYSE: KOG) reported third quarter product sales volumes that more than doubled from last year. 

On the downside

Crocs (Nasdaq: CROX) blamed softening sales for lowering its third quarter guidance.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: REGN) will offer $400 million in convertible senior notes.   

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) reported lower third quarter earnings as expenses rose.

In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of more than 3 to 2 on the NYSE and by more than 5 to 3 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks lost 3 points to 684.