Emerging market surge lifts global debt total above USD365trn record

Business Recorder reported from New York that global debt climbed above a record USD365 trillion over the first six months of 2026. The Institute of International Finance, cited in the report, said the rise exceeded USD10 trillion, with emerging economies accounting for most of the growth.

Emerging market debt alone rose by USD6.5 trillion, taking it above USD110 trillion. China led that increase, the IIF said on Wednesday, pointing to the country as the main driver within the emerging group.

Taken together, the two figures show that emerging markets were the main source of the global rise over the period. For readers tracking Pakistan's market, the report offers a view of global borrowing rather than any single company or sector.