Goldman Sachs(US:GS) Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-09-03 07:47Core Insights - Goldman Sachs predicts a significant increase in global transaction volume by the end of this year, with a potential record year for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2026 [1] Group 1: M&A Market Forecast - Goldman Sachs forecasts the global transaction volume to reach approximately $3.1 trillion (around HKD 24.18 trillion) by the end of this year, increasing to $3.9 trillion (around HKD 30.42 trillion) next year [1] - This projected volume exceeds the 2021 M&A transaction volume of $3.6 trillion (around HKD 28.08 trillion) [1] - If the current momentum continues, 2026 could see M&A activity reaching historical highs [1] Group 2: Factors Influencing M&A Activity - The surge in artificial intelligence infrastructure development is expected to be a significant source of M&A activity [1] - There is an observed increase in transaction willingness from corporate boards and private equity funds, leading to optimism for the end of 2025 and into 2026 [1] Group 3: Recent M&A Trends - M&A activity showed disappointing performance at the beginning of the year due to market volatility caused by U.S. trade tariffs, but began to increase during the summer [1] - The number of M&A transactions remains largely flat compared to last year [1]