Often times we write about a new, hot IPO, or cover the weeks events regarding performance, but what does this mean in the big picture. How well are IPO's actually performing relative to other years, and what is the actual state of the IPO market. Is it a healthy, vibrant market that you should consider, or is it lagging prior years, hinting at a slowdown. Either way we should understand the general performance of the IPO market just as we would, say the S&P 500.

For 2016 already there have been 59 IPO's that have priced. The term "priced" just means that they were priced and sent out to the market. These are names that have successfully launched and are available for you to trade now. 59 sounds pretty good no? Well, the real question is how that would compare to some length of history. Compared to last year the 59 IPO's are actually down over 50%. So as a comparable, were not off to a good start (and its already September).

The glamorous number that everyone likes to focus on is the total proceeds raised. Of all the IPO's that were successful in launching, how much were they actually able to raise. This year so far that number is just shy of $10 billion. Now surely that is a substantial number and if we compare it to last year, should be impressive. Again, sorry to disappoint, but no, its not good. Total proceeds for IPO's compared to last year are actually down 56%.

Ok well what about the number of new companies that filed to go public. This is known as the "filing activity" stat. For 2016 there have been a whopping 90 IPO's that have filed (you see how I'm setting you up already don't you?). Surely 90 is impressive no? No, it is not. Compared to last year 2016 is on pace to be 50% lower.

With all these stats in mind, its clear that this year will not, and is not on pace to beat last year. In fact as of now the IPO market is set to have its worst year (in terms of all those stats) in 10 years!