AI Presents Both Economic Growth and Risks, OECD Report States
Summary
The OECD says artificial intelligence is boosting global economic growth while also creating new risks for energy supply, credit markets and investor confidence. Its interim outlook forecasts 2.9 percent global growth in 2026 and 3 percent in 2027, with AI spending expected to keep supporting major economies.
Key Points
- The OECD says AI-related investment and production rose sharply in the first half of 2026 and helped cushion the global economy from the Middle East conflict.
- Global economic growth slowed to 2.6 percent annually, while the OECD forecasts 2.9 percent growth in 2026 and 3 percent in 2027.
- AI spending and data-center investment are supporting GDP growth in several countries, especially G20 economies.
- The OECD warns that energy shortages, supply disruptions, security concerns, and AI companies' debt burdens could create major risks.
