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AI Added 'Basically Zero' to US Economic Growth Last Year, Goldman Sachs Says

gizmodo.com

February 23, 2026

2 min read

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61/100

Summary

Goldman Sachs reports that AI contributed "basically zero" to U.S. economic growth last year. Tech companies, including Meta, Amazon, Google, and OpenAI, are projected to invest approximately $700 billion this year in new data centers for AI model training and operation.

Key Takeaways

Goldman Sachs analysts report that AI investment contributed "basically zero" to U.S. GDP growth in 2025.
A significant portion of AI-related spending in the U.S. is offset by imports of equipment, which does not positively impact U.S. GDP calculations.
A survey of nearly 6,000 executives found that 80% of firms using AI reported no impact on employment or productivity.
There is currently no reliable method to measure the economic contribution of AI usage among businesses and consumers.

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Community Sentiment

Mixed

Positives

AI tooling is rapidly evolving, and while not universally accessible yet, it is beginning to provide significant value in various applications.
The ability to leverage AI for cost-saving solutions in businesses demonstrates its practical utility, even if these impacts are not formally tracked.

Concerns

The article highlights a concerning trend where AI's impact on economic growth is perceived as negligible, suggesting a disconnect between hype and reality.
There are significant concerns about the environmental and social costs of AI development, which are often overshadowed by the focus on its benefits.