Global debt reaches record 365 trillion dollars

global debt hyperscalers interest payments AI investment economic risk

Global debt has reached a historic peak of 365 trillion dollars in the first half of 2026, according to the Institute of International Finance (IIF). This represents an increase of nearly 10 trillion dollars in just six months and is equivalent to approximately 310% of global GDP.

Rising debt is largely driven by emerging markets, led by China, while advanced economies face significant pressure. G7 nations alone spent over 3.3 trillion dollars on interest payments in the past year, a figure exceeding combined global spending on defense, clean energy, and artificial intelligence.

In the corporate sector, the artificial intelligence boom is fueling significant debt accumulation. Allianz Research reports that the long-term debt of major tech hyperscalers grew by 86% in the twelve months leading up to mid-2026. In 2025, these technology giants issued 122 billion dollars in bonds, accounting for 45% of all technology sector bond issuances according to the OECD.

Economists warn of a potential cycle where rising interest payments strain national budgets and limit the ability of central banks and governments to provide the traditional 'safety net' of monetary and fiscal stimulus during future crises.

Entities

Allianz Research · China · Deutsche Bank · IMF · Institute of International Finance · International Monetary Fund · OECD · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Major technology companies issued 122 billion US dollars in bonds in 2025. www.diepresse.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Global debt is equivalent to approximately 310% of global gross domestic product (GDP). tchadvision.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] G7 nations paid more than 3.3 trillion dollars in interest payments over the past year. tchadvision.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The long-term debt of major tech hyperscalers increased by 86 percent in the twelve months leading up to mid-2026. www.diepresse.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Global debt increased by nearly 10 trillion dollars in a six-month period. tchadvision.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Global public and private debt reached a record 365 trillion dollars during the first half of 2026. tchadvision.com