With higher interest rates, debt issuance would likely drop. This would result in lower underwriting fees related to bond issues. M&A might dry up to a degree, depending on the underlying reason for the rise in interest rates. Other things being equal, higher interest rates will decrease the ability of investors to finance buyouts. However, if interest rates rise due to a stronger underlying economy, there might be an increase in M&A. Difficult to say. I don't know too much about the state of prop trading. It depends on the firm's net position regarding interest rates. For example, if they have a net long position on treasuries, they will lose money. Conversely, if they are short treasuries, they will profit. In this example, the effect would depend on their position and ability to play the trend.
As a tech CEO, interest rate fluctuations are like a weather forecast for our company’s financial journey. When rates increase, it's like a signal for a storm ahead, prompting us to hold steady our investments and be even more resourceful. Conversely, when rates decrease, it feels like a sunny day, a perfect time to borrow funds and accelerate our projects for expansion and innovation. At the end of the day, the financial weather might be unpredictable, but a smart sailor can use all kinds of weather to his advantage, redirecting sails to reach his destination.