IMF: AI Investment Could Be a New Engine for Global Growth, But Risks Widening Labor Market Divide

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its latest annual report that AI could become a major force for global productivity and investment growth, but it may also add pressure to labor markets and bring financial risks. AI-related tech investment is estimated to have contributed 0.5 percentage points to U.S. GDP growth in 2025.

Some outside estimates suggest that global private-sector AI investment could exceed $2 trillion in 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing economic drivers in recent years. Asia is actively seeking AI opportunities. Singapore ranks first in the IMF's AI Preparedness Index, East Asia is a global hub for chip manufacturing and design, and Southeast Asia is moving up the value chain on the strength of its manufacturing base.

Risks remain. IMF research found that jobs requiring AI skills pay more, but cities and regions with more of these jobs have not seen overall employment growth. Workers with AI skills are benefiting, and low-skilled workers serving high-income earners also benefit. In contrast, middle-skilled workers whose jobs are highly exposed to automation have not shared in these gains.