Robust M&A momentum in 2026, with U.S. deal value reaching $1.2 trillion in the first five months—nearly double year-over-year—driven by megadeals exceeding $5 billion that now account for the majority of activity. AI infrastructure demands, corporate scale strategies in energy and technology, and resilient financing conditions are fueling strategic combinations such as NextEra Energy’s proposed $67 billion tie-up with Dominion and multiple tech investments into AI leaders. With roughly four months remaining until 2027, traders are weighing announced deals likely to close this year against regulatory hurdles, particularly on large technology transactions, alongside private equity’s large undeployed capital pools that support further activity through year-end.