M&A Off to Slow Start in 2020

The video discusses early 2020 market trends, reflecting on 2019's performance and future expectations. It covers factors influencing deal making, such as low financing costs and mega deals, and the impact of technology disruption and ESG on markets. CEO confidence and its effect on market activity are explored, along with the regulatory environment affecting technology deals, including the Xerox-HP situation and Chinese approvals.

What was the market sentiment for the first half of the year according to the transcript?

• Bearish market

• Neutral market

• Risk-on market

• Risk-off market

What is one of the main drivers for dealmaking mentioned in the transcript?

• High CapEx

• Low CapEx

• Organic growth

• High financing costs

What was a significant factor affecting mid-market deals last year?

• Decrease in regulatory challenges

• Increase in cross-border volumes

• Decrease in technology disruption

• Increase in large deals

How did CEO confidence compare to consumer confidence at the beginning of the year?

• CEO confidence was higher

• Consumer confidence was lower

• Both were equally high

• Consumer confidence was higher

What is a potential challenge for technology deals involving China?

• Lack of financing

• High consumer confidence

• Need for Chinese approvals

• Low CEO confidence