AI‑related debt issuance by U.S. companies is accelerating rapidly. Analysts project that in 2026 the gross issuance of investment‑grade debt will reach $2.25 trillion, a 25 % increase over the previous year and the fourth consecutive year of growth. After accounting for maturing debt, net new investment‑grade debt is expected to hit $1 trillion, up 57 % from last year. Year‑to‑date, gross issuance has already climbed 20 % to $796 billion. Morgan Stanley attributes the surge to capital expenditures in artificial intelligence, estimating that AI‑related debt and related industries will reach at least $400 billion this year. The AI revolution is driving an unprecedented jump in corporate borrowing.