Is the Fed Blocking a Bigger M&A Boom?

The transcript discusses economic trends for 2015, focusing on interest rates and corporate strategies like divestiture. It highlights challenges faced by investment banks due to market changes and the Federal Reserve's role in economic cycles. The shift from empire building to focusing on core competencies is emphasized, with examples from companies like eBay and HP. The transcript also covers scrutiny on leveraged loans and credit market conditions.

How do interest rates affect corporate financing decisions?

What factors are influencing companies to divest from certain sectors?

In what ways are companies expected to allocate their capital more strategically?

What is the significance of companies wanting to buy assets cheaply rather than building new facilities?

What implications does the Fed's tightening of credit market conditions have for leveraged loans?