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.

Volume declines in some key markets -- especially for its flagship Marlboro brand – and the lack of a one-time gain helped push Philip Morris International’s third-quarter profit down 14%, the tobacco titan said Thursday.

U.S. stock market futures were mixed Thursday as investors weighed a flurry of earnings reports from the likes of 3M, AT&T, McDonald’s Corp. and eBay, as well as a rise in unemployment claims.

Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trade in Thursday’s session are AT&T Inc., McDonald's Corp., and Merck & Co.

Altria Group said Wednesday its third-quarter earnings rose 1.7% as it absorbed its acquisition of UST.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Following Is an Investment Opinion Being Issued by AnalystChoice.com (AC).

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Following Is an Investment Opinion Being Issued by TheFortuneFinancial.com.