Big Tech's AI Push and M&A Boom to Drive Surge in Investment-Grade Debt Issuance in 2026

Big tech companies are set to increase investment-grade debt issuance in 2026 due to accelerated investments in artificial intelligence and a revival in merger-and-acquisition activity. The world's largest tech firms are expected to require around $100 billion in funding for AI infrastructure, with public bond issuance already reaching nearly $90 billion since September. A growing pipeline of M&A deals and renewed confidence among private-equity sponsors are also driving the surge in issuance.