The global debt-to-GDP ratio rose for the first time since 2020 last year, as the world's debt stock hit a new year-end record of $318 trillion and economic growth slowed, an Institute of International Finance report showed on Tuesday.

Global debt increased by around $7 trillion in 2024 to reach $318 trillion, a record annual high and a reason for financial markets to be cautious, according to the Institute of International Finance.

The world's debt stock surged to a record $318 trillion in 2024, pushing the global debt-to-GDP ratio to 328%. This marks the first increase since 2020 as economic growth slowed and borrowing remained elevated.