The AI bubble is leaking air, some economists say. Should investors worry?

September 14, 2026 / 2:58 PM EDT / CBS News

The AI bubble is leaking air, some economists say. Should investors worry?

TL;DR

  • Several Wall Street analysts believe the AI boom driving U.S. stocks to record highs may be a bubble.
  • Capital Economics forecasts the AI bubble could burst in 2027 and predicts an S&P 500 correction next year.
  • Concerns are raised that AI firms' expected earnings growth outpaces U.S. economic growth, resembling the dot-com bubble.
  • Goldman Sachs projects global AI capital expenditures to reach $1 trillion in 2026, with $581 billion in the U.S.
  • Some experts caution against using "bubble" terminology, noting that technological revolutions often see initial investment excesses.
  • Other strategists are less convinced a bubble is imminent, suggesting AI's full impact might be underestimated and it's already significantly impacting earnings.
  • Public perception is shifting due to warnings about AI threats, which could negatively impact tech stocks.
  • Concerns about AI guardrails are distinct from investment bubble fears.