US Stock Margin Debt Tops $1.5 Trillion, Surpassing $1.26 Trillion in Credit Card Balances
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 16
US Stock Margin Debt Tops $1.5 Trillion, Surpassing $1.26 Trillion in Credit Card Balances
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 16
Summary
$1.5 trillion in U.S. securities margin debt was outstanding in June 2026, according to FINRA, putting stock-borrowing balances above the nation’s $1.26 trillion in credit card debt.
That total jumped 7.9% from May and roughly 50% from about $1 trillion in June 2025, showing leverage kept rising as the market rally strengthened.
AI-fueled gains have helped drive the borrowing spree, with the S&P 500 up about 13% year to date and the Nasdaq-100 up 18%, making margin trading more attractive to investors seeking amplified returns.
FINRA said the figures cover not just individuals but also institutions, funds, corporations and trusts, underscoring how broadly leverage is embedded across the market.
The buildup also raises liquidation risk: when stocks fall sharply, brokers can issue margin calls and force sales if borrowers cannot quickly add cash.