There is so much commercial shipping activity and it is so loud that scientists are starting to worry about the effect that the noise is having on the whales.

BBC: Whales benefit from action on ocean noise

"What we're doing now is trying to build up a set of parallel activities with equal importance, with the oil company being the most established and largest activity we have outside shipping, " he said.

CNN: Shipping giant looks to China to combat downturn

The average, comprised of 20 shipping, railroad and airline stocks, is considered a bellwether of economic activity.

WSJ: Financial Stocks Lift S&P

Unlike in offline retail, promotional activity online has been more aggressive this year than in years past, with broader free shipping and flash sales offerings, among others.

FORBES: Spike in Online Commerce Points to Good 2011 for AMZN, GOOG, EBAY