IMF forecasts global AI investment to surpass $2 trillion in 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving global productivity and investment growth, while also warning of potential risks to labor markets and financial stability. According to estimates, AI-related investments in 2025 contributed 0.5 percentage points to U.S. GDP growth. The IMF also noted that AI adoption has likely accelerated productivity gains in recent years. Private-sector AI investment is projected to exceed $2 trillion in 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing drivers of economic growth. Asia is actively pursuing AI opportunities, with Singapore leading in digital infrastructure and regulatory readiness. Meanwhile, risks include job displacement and wage suppression, particularly for mid-skilled workers. The IMF found that AI-skilled jobs offer higher pay, but these roles have not led to overall employment growth. Low-skilled workers in service sectors may still benefit, while those in automatable roles face greater challenges. The report underscores the need for policies to address AI’s impact on labor markets, as both governments and businesses grapple with its transformative effects. With global spending shifting toward AI deployment across industries, the potential for productivity gains is expanding, though the distribution of benefits remains uneven.