American CEOs bullish on M&A in 2026: EY

Core Insights - Fintech firm Brex's plan to sell itself for over $5 billion may indicate a trend in the upcoming year, reflecting a broader sentiment among U.S. CEOs regarding mergers and acquisitions [1] Group 1: Mergers and Acquisitions Sentiment - A recent EY survey indicates that 62% of 320 U.S. CEOs plan to actively pursue M&A deals in the next 12 months, a significant increase from 35% in a similar survey conducted in September 2025 [2][3] - The overall global sentiment shows that 53% of all surveyed CEOs intend to pursue M&A this year, with American CEOs being more optimistic [3] Group 2: Strategic Investment Adjustments - 85% of U.S. CEOs have modified their strategic investment plans due to geopolitical and trade policy developments, with 46% accelerating planned investments and 39% delaying them [6] - 11% of respondents have completely halted investments due to global tensions, indicating a cautious approach to capital allocation [6] Group 3: Preparation for Growth - CFOs are advised to assess capital effectiveness and improve capital efficiency, focusing resources on high-return opportunities while addressing underperforming areas [5] - The need for a tailored approach in capital distribution is emphasized, suggesting a strategic shift in how companies prepare for growth [5][4]