European investors fear AI slowdown threatens global growth

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 16, 2026

European investors are increasingly worried that a slowdown in AI investment poses a major risk to global economic growth, with 43 percent of fund managers citing this as the top threat in a recent Bank of America survey. This shift reflects concerns about both the pace of funding and the potential for a correction in U.S. AI-related stock valuations, which could impact broader market performance.

A growing number of European investors are expressing concern that a slowdown in artificial intelligence (AI) investment could pose a significant threat to global economic growth. According to recent survey data, 43 percent of fund managers now identify a pullback in AI spending as the primary risk to the global economy, marking a notable increase from 21 percent just one month prior.

The findings come from the latest Bank of America European fund manager survey, which tracks investor sentiment across key risks and market trends. The heightened worry about AI investment reflects the sector’s previously rapid expansion, fueled by billions of dollars in funding aimed at advancing AI technologies and applications.

In addition to fears around a reduction in AI investments, 29 percent of respondents cited a potential correction in valuations of U.S. AI-linked stocks as the leading trigger for a broader downturn in equity markets. This indicates concerns not only about the pace of investment but also the sustainability of stock prices tied to AI companies.

Overall, these sentiments suggest increased caution among European fund managers regarding the future trajectory of AI’s role in driving economic growth and market performance. The rapid rise of AI has been a key growth driver for global markets, and any deceleration in investment activity could carry broader implications for economic expansion worldwide.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.