AI investment boom fuels US business spending growth as housing market struggles persist
An AI investment boom boosted US business spending in December as factory output rose. High costs and tariffs continue to weigh on the housing market.
Insights:
The U.S. Commerce Department (Census Bureau) reported on February 18, 2026, that core capital goods orders and shipments increased in December. This rise in business equipment spending across the US 
US provides a timely input for the upcoming advance estimate of fourth-quarter GDP and helps inform growth expectations for 2026. The report specifically noted that AI-related investment supported the increase, highlighting a structural source of demand that is increasingly vital for the manufacturing sector and the development of data centers.
US provides a timely input for the upcoming advance estimate of fourth-quarter GDP and helps inform growth expectations for 2026. The report specifically noted that AI-related investment supported the increase, highlighting a structural source of demand that is increasingly vital for the manufacturing sector and the development of data centers.
