AI Funding to Drive Record Year for Top-Rated Company Bond Sales

Companies across the US and Europe are preparing to sell a record amount of high-grade bonds in 2026, testing investors’ appetite as yields drift lower.

Morgan Stanley strategists predict more than $2 trillion in US investment-grade debt sales to hit the market next year, which would be the most ever. That’s expected to be driven by AI expansion projects, refinancing of looming maturities and acquisition financing.

The upbeat sales forecast comes despite questions on how much longer the current credit boom can run. Investors are expected to start demanding wider spreads to buy corporate debt as yields fall and concerns ...