- Worldwide merger deals have declined sharply from the intense pace that pushed them to record levels in 2015, a sign that could reflect broader weakness in the U.S. economy and vulnerability for U.S. stocks.
- So far in 2016, the dollar value of completed deals is 22% below the same period last year, while the number of transactions is down 13%, as expectations of higher interest rates and more government regulation is making mergers seem more expensive and risky.
- Notables collapses: Halliburton's deal with Baker Hughes, and Pfizer's planned takeover of Allergan.
- ETFs: MNA, CSMA, MRGR