The number of global mergers and acquisitions hit an all-time high in 2017, although the aggregate value of those deals fell short of 2016 and 2015, according to Thomson Reuters. Deals for U.S.-based targets experienced a similar dichotomy.

More data points from Thomson Reuters:

• The only geographic region with increases to both deal count and deal value over 2016 was Asia-Pacific, up 14.1% and 2.2%, respectively.
• Real estate took the global top spot in terms of deal value (4,000 deals valued at $530 billion), followed by energy/power (last year's leader).
• The number of deals valued between $1 billion and $5 billion hit an 11-year high.