US pension funds hold up to $700B in AI-linked assets

Public pension funds in the US may have as much as $700 billion exposed to AI-related investments, the New York Times reports. More than 37 million people participated in state and local pension plans in 2025, according to Census Bureau data. Experts warn an AI downturn would hit retirement savings hard.

• Up to $700B in US pension money may be tied to AI investments
• More than 37 million people are in state and local pension plans
• $10.3 trillion in infrastructure spending is planned for 2025–2032
• Open Markets Institute warned of pension risks if AI slumps