Margin Debt Hits Record High

BREAKING: U.S. margin debt surged by $112 billion in May , reaching a record $1.42 trillion .
That marks the second straight monthly increase , with margin debt rising $195 billion over just two months.
Over the last 12 months, margin debt is up $495 billion , or 54% .
Even after adjusting for inflation, real margin debt rose 7.9% MoM and 47.4% YoY .
Since 1997, real margin debt has exploded 550% , far outpacing the S&P 500’s real gain of 357.7% .
Leverage is building fast.
Markets are roaring — but so is risk.