Equipment finance confidence grows for third consecutive month

Confidence in the equipment finance industry rose for the third straight month.

Monthly equipment finance confidence climbed to 61.6 in July from 58.2 in June, according to the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation’s July 2025 Monthly Confidence Index released today. Executives expressed cautious optimism despite concerns about inflationary pressures, tariffs and labor constraints, citing long-term opportunities tied to domestic manufacturing and supply chain reconfiguration that could boost demand for equipment financing in automation, logistics and infrastructure.

The index’s survey results showed 37.5% of respondents expect business conditions and demand for capital equipment financing to improve over the next four months, while most believe conditions will remain stable, according to the index. Economic outlook sentiment also improved, with 41.7% of respondents predicting better U.S. conditions over the next six months.

Meanwhile, 25% expect to increase business development spending, up from 18.5% in June, according to the index. However, hiring expectations declined, and fewer executives anticipate greater access to capital compared to the previous month.