U.S. M&A deal activity increased in September, going up 11.2% with 1,146 announcements compared to 1,031 in August. Aggregate M&A spending increased as well. In September 41.8% more was spent on deals compared to August.

• In terms of M&A deal activity, 7 of the 21 sectors tracked by FactSet saw an increase in M&A deal activity over the past three months relative to the same three-month period one year ago. The five sectors that witnessed the largest increases in M&A deal volume were: Technology Services (803 vs. 702), Non-Energy Minerals (102 vs. 54), Commercial Services (430 vs. 389), Consumer Services (229 vs. 216) and Process Industries (84 vs. 77).
• On the other hand, 12 of the 21 sectors tracked by FactSet saw a decrease in M&A deal activity over the past three months relative to the same three-month period one year ago. The five sectors that witnessed the largest declines in M&A deal volume were: Finance (529 vs. 702), Producer Manufacturing (157 vs. 223), Distribution Services (105 vs. 169), Health Services (94 vs. 124) and Transportation (65 vs. 85).