Billionaire investor Ray Dalio is sounding the alarm on the U.S. ever-growing debt, warning of a looming fiscal crisis. With U.S. debt levels surging past $33 trillion and lawmakers racing against the clock to negotiate a spending bill, Dalio is concerned about the possibility for a government shutdown and increased tied to the country’s debt.
Rising Unrest Among Investors
The rising debt, coupled with fears of climbing interest rates, are making investors nervous. Dalio also suggests that the economy could experience a significant slowdown, possibly grinding to a halt around zero growth, plus or minus 1% or 2%. His concerns the real-world impact of the growing U.S. debt and its potential repercussions for the economy.
In a recent interview with CNBC’s Sara Eisen during a fireside chat at the Managed Funds Association, Dalio didn’t hold back. He said, “We’re heading for a debt crisis in this country, and how fast it happens is closely tied to supply and demand factors. I’m keeping a very close eye on that.”
A Soaring Debt Dilemma
The U.S. debt levels just hit $33 trillion for the very first time. Why is this a big deal? Well, it’s happening as lawmakers are in a mad scramble to figure out a spending bill before ticking clock hits October 1st. If they can’t reach an agreement, it could mean a government shutdown and crank up the perceived risk tied to the country’s debt.
U.S. debt levels have taken a roller-coaster ride in recent years, especially after 50% increase in federal spending between fiscal years 2019 and 2021, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Investors are on edge, fearing that rising interest rates could be in the cards as the U.S. financial situation worsens, and that could dent the demand for U.S. Treasuries.
More Than Debt Worries
But wait, there’s more to Dalio’s concerns than just the debt pile-up. He’s painting a gloomy picture of the economy, suggesting that growth might come to around zero percent, give or take 1% or 2%.Dalio’s words serve as a reminder that the U.S. debt situation isn’t just a number on paper. It has real-world consequences that could impact the economy and, by extension, all of us.
