Charted: U.S. IPOs creep back

The number of companies that went public in the U.S. last year grew by 42% over 2022, but was still down 24% from pre-pandemic 2019, according to EY and Dealogic, Hope writes.

Zoom in: Profitability has become more of a focus for investors.

• Reddit, which is reportedly eyeing a March listing, has delayed its plans for years to get closer to the black.

What we're watching: The potential for a Fed pivot on interest rates and last year's market surge "have ignited a sense of optimism heading into 2024," EY analysts write.

• But geopolitical tensions and November's White House race could dampen moods.