As if the recently announced Charter-Time Warner Cable merger wasn’t enough proof, executive confidence in the global economy is at its highest level since the financial crisis in 2008, which could help fuel a record number of mergers and acquisitions, according to a report by consulting giant Ernst & Young released today.

Charter announced its plans to acquire Time Warner Cable in a deal valued at $78.7 billion on Tuesday. In addition, Charter said it would acquire Bright House Networks for $10.4 billion in  a separate deal.

As part of its 12thGlobal Capital Confidence Barometer, where EY surveyed more than 1,600 senior executives, (70 from media and entertainment companies), 77% of the executives surveyed believe the global economy is improving, with 21% indicating it is stable and only 2% believe it is declining.