← Today's Edition

Critical

Chaos ahead? Grand investments in AI going bad might set off a painful chain of events

Massive loans funding AI data centers face risk if demand disappoints, potentially triggering a financial crisis. While 'Magnificent 7' stock drops are possible, the true danger lies in private credit funds. These funds, heavily backed by pension funds, insurance companies, and university endowments, are increasingly exposed. Securitization of these AI-related loans mirrors the 2007-08 subprime crisis, raising alarms. Banks also hold collateralized loans from private credit, increasing their indirect exposure. The lack of public information and regulatory oversight intensifies these systemic risks, implicating mainstream institutional investors and threatening widespread financial instability.

LiveMint · Barry Eichengreen · Sep 17, 2026 at 9:36 AM

More summaries by Barry Eichengreen →

Related Insights