Signs of Life in Capital Markets

Updated from 3:26 p.m. EST

While analysts and investors debate whether the recent rally is sustainable, a host of companies seized the opportunity to raise cash by offering stock and debt to the public.

After almost grinding to a halt this summer, the IPO and follow-on markets have been invigorated this month, with 46 issues debuting so far, according to Dealogic. That's the highest number since June, when 79 deals were sold.

Just this past week, a bevy of new stock sales were priced, with IPOs coming from Safety Insurance Group(SAFT Quote), restaurant chain Cosi(COSI Quote) and Impac Medical(IMPC Quote). ...