Global debt hits record $365T; EM borrowing surges $6.5T in H1

The Institute of International Finance reports global debt surpassed $365 trillion, with emerging markets adding $6.5 trillion in the first half of the year. The surge signals accelerating leverage in developing economies, raising concerns about debt sustainability and refinancing risks as global rates remain elevated. The data is preliminary and based on IIF estimates, but the trend is consistent with recent EM issuance patterns.