Morgan Stanley expects global M&A deal value to reach a record $6.4 trillion in 2026. A strong stock market and recovering corporate confidence are driving an increase in transactions, putting the total on track to surpass 2021 levels. In the second quarter of this year, announced deals surged more than 64% year-on-year, while completed deals rose over 33%. The Trump administration's regulators are showing a more favorable stance toward large deals, providing a tailwind, and announced deals involving private equity have also increased by more than 10%. The firm sees M&A opportunities expanding as geopolitical uncertainty recedes, with corporate restructuring and the deployment of private equity dry powder set to accelerate.
Morgan StanleyMorgan Stanley forecasts record M&A activity, boosting its investment banking fees and advisory revenue.