The market for initial public offerings is thawing, but retail investors shouldn't expect to find access to this notoriously exclusive market any easier -- though a few back doors are open for those who know where to look.

European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet said Friday it was premature to pronounce the end of the financial crisis, saying that recent positive developments are underpinned by massive support from the public sector.

Fortinet surges more than 35% following the company's initial public offering.

Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trade in Monday’s session are the European banks as well as CIT, CNA, Dean Foods, Encore Acquisition, Ford, Humana, Loews, Nice, Terra and U.S. Bancorp.

Stock futures are mixed Thursday after the previous session’s sell-off, but some signs of optimism emerge ahead of the release of U.S. gross domestic product data for the third quarter.