Why Alphabet's 100-year sterling bond is raising new fears over debt-fuelled AI arms race

Core Viewpoint - Alphabet's issuance of a 100-year sterling bond signifies a trend of increased borrowing among tech companies to finance extensive data center and AI infrastructure projects, reflecting late-cycle exuberance in credit markets [1][4][6]. Group 1: Bond Issuance Details - The 100-year bond is part of a larger borrowing initiative totaling approximately $20 billion, which includes multi-currency offerings across dollars, euros, and Swiss francs [2][3]. - The bond attracted nearly 10 times the demand for its £1 billion ($1.37 billion) offering, with a coupon set at 120 basis points above 10-year gilts [3]. - This issuance places Alphabet among a select group of entities that have issued sterling-denominated century bonds, typically associated with governments rather than corporations [3]. Group 2: Market Context and Implications - The deal reflects unprecedented levels of debt being raised in both public and private markets to support AI expansion, with Alphabet's capital expenditure expected to reach $185 billion this year [4][6]. - The issuance is seen as a strategic move to diversify funding sources and tap into the demand from UK insurance and pension funds, avoiding over-saturation in the USD market [8][11]. - The bond issuance is perceived as a signal of market exuberance, with concerns about long-term data center demand and rapid technological changes potentially impacting the sector [6][7]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment and Future Outlook - Investors view the bond as a long-term bet on Alphabet's ability to innovate and sustain operations over the next century, despite the rarity of such long-term corporate debt [9][10]. - The issuance is expected to provide diversification benefits for pension funds, contrasting with other issuers like EDF and the Mexican government [10]. - There are cautions regarding the untested nature of 100-year bonds, especially in a volatile political and economic environment, as tech companies are currently trading at all-time highs [11][12].