AI could displace up to 9% of workers; a downturn could accelerate job losses

Fortune reports that Goldman Sachs economist Joseph Briggs estimates AI could displace up to 9% of workers during the transition. He says automation-related job losses have historically accelerated in downturns and warns that a slowdown could intensify AI-related disruption. For now, he says, labor-market effects remain smaller than feared earlier in 2026. Some displaced workers may find jobs relatively quickly, while others may leave the labor force.