But she says several macroeconomic trends are starting to look more supportive – energy prices have fallen dramatically, particularly in the northern hemisphere, inflation has likely peaked, interest rates are not rising as quickly as they were and employment is strong. The fact that valuations have generally fallen over the last 12 months is also making boards more interested in pursuing deals – particularly in an environment where slowing economic activity is likely to make organic growth harder to deliver. But more than this, she says executives and directors are slowly recognising the relatively calm environment they had known since…