Even this year, despite the market's sluggishness, IPOs have done well, rising an average of 27% on their debut, compared with a 21% rise in 2011, data from financial data provider CapitalVue showed.

WSJ: China's IPO Doors Likely To Stay Closed

To be sure, the sluggishness is due in part to a becalmed stock market.

FORBES: Back To The Future

Efficiency offers another timely benefit: after several years of sluggishness, the VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) repair market is on an upswing due to rebounding freight rates.

CNN: SAILING AGAINST THE WIND