Wall Street anticipates a rebound in dealmaking in 2025, driven by a strong stock market, lower interest rates, and Donald Trump’s pro-business policies. Deal volume rose 12% in 2024 compared to 2023 but remains below the 2021 peak. Optimism grew after Trump appointed Andrew Ferguson as FTC chair, signaling potential rollbacks of Lina Khan’s regulatory guidelines. However, concerns persist over Trump’s unpredictable policies, including proposed tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China. Bankers report increasing dialogue about potential large deals, forecasting M&A growth of 10% to 15% next year.
