# Global debt and credit market instability > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-debt-and-credit-market-instability > Updated: 2026-09-01T19:56:46.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Global debt reached approximately $353 trillion in early 2026, totaling roughly 305% of global GDP. Analysts have identified risks of both an equity bubble and a credit bubble linked to the artificial intelligence boom, noting that a credit bubble burst could lead to widespread defaults across the financial system. By September 2026, concerns intensified as approximately $1 trillion in corporate debt—including $580 billion in U.S. bonds and $400 billion in European bonds—began trading at credit spreads wider than typical for their ratings. This instability is attributed to the rapid growth of technology ‘hyperscalers’ investing in AI infrastructure, which now account for about 5% of the U.S. investment-grade bond index. Economic indicators have drawn comparisons to the 1997 Asian financial crisis, specifically citing rising U.S. Treasury yields and the significant depreciation of the Japanese yen, which has fallen approximately 57% since early 2021. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-01: Global credit markets face $1 trillion debt risk amid rising yields Global markets face risks from $1 trillion in mispriced corporate debt and rising U.S. bond yields, with analysts drawing parallels to the 1997 Asian financial crisis due to yen weakness. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-credit-markets-face-1-trillion-debt-risk-amid-rising-yields ### 2026-08-27: Global debt reaches $353 trillion amid AI-driven financial risks Global debt has reached $353 trillion, creating systemic risks as rising interest rates collide with an artificial intelligence-driven equity and credit bubble. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-debt-reaches-353-trillion-amid-ai-driven-financial-risks --- Cite as: Global debt and credit market instability. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-debt-and-credit-market-instability