Upcoming Issues Could Threaten an Already Sputtering IPO Market

With the initial public offering market sputtering, there's concern that a giant issue, such as chipmaker Agere Systems, could bring it to a halt.

As few as a dozen companies have gone public this year, with more than 50 withdrawing or postponing their issues, according to Edgar Online, which provides information on Securities and Exchange Commission filings. In a market like this, a big issue with the backing of major investment banks still could be successful, but it also could fill what little demand there is for new issues.

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