Economists Reassess AI's Contribution To GDP

MRB Partners strategist Prajakta Bhide reported in January 2026 that U.S. consumer spending, not AI, was the primary driver of GDP growth through the first three quarters of 2025. She found AI-related capital expenditures added about 90 basis points unadjusted, but only 40–50 basis points after adjusting for imported equipment, reducing AI's net headline contribution. The finding tempers claims that AI capex alone sustained the economy.