M&A activity should increase but not everywhere M&A (Mergers & Acquisition) activity had fallen to well-below the 10Y average over the last 2 years. There are various reasons for this slowdown, including higher rates and negative corporate sentiment. But between equity markets faring well over the last year and interest rates off highs, there are some reasons to expect a recovery. Indeed, we've seen a bit of an uptick. We speak with Jill Hall who points out that SMID cap valuations are inexpensive relative to large caps-another M&A positive. But Jill believes that M&A will be focused in certain parts of the market. Bryan Spillane and Peter Galbo say consumer staples companies with healthy balance sheets could engage in M&A as it becomes difficult to push price further and these companies seek other ways to grow. EB Poonawala suggests that banks could benefit from both higher M&A fees and what could be an uptick in bank mergers, especially if there's political change in November.   You may also enjoy listening to the Merrill Perspectives podcast, featuring conversations on the big stories, news and trends affecting your everyday financial life.   "Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2024 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.