Global dealmaking falls 7% in early 2026 as M&A and PE slow, says GlobalData

In the first five months of 2026, global deal activity experienced a 7% drop compared to the same period last year, driven by a slowdown in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity (PE) transactions, as reported by GlobalData. This decline suggests that economic uncertainties and market volatility are impacting corporate strategies and investment appetites. Such a trend could have broader implications for economic growth and investment climates worldwide, affecting everything from capital availability to business expansion plans.