The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) released its January 2026 CapEx Finance Index (CFI), revealing that the equipment finance industry started the year with exceptionally strong activity. Total new business volume (NBV) among surveyed ELFA member companies reached $11.6 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis, marking the highest monthly dollar amount in the index’s two-decade history. Year-over-year, NBV increased 30.1 % on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, underscoring accelerating demand.
Credit performance remained stable, with the loss rate retreating after a late-year increase and delinquency rates holding steady. These indicators suggest continued portfolio strength despite broader economic uncertainty.
“Just as we expected, the equipment finance industry had a strong start to 2026,” said Leigh Lytle, President and CEO of ELFA. “New activity surged to its highest monthly dollar amount ever, with much of the gain coming from equipment producers. The loss rate retreated after rising at the end of last year, and the average delinquency rate remained stable.”
The report also showed improvements in key credit metrics, reinforcing the industry’s resilience amid shifting economic conditions and pointing toward continued momentum as the year progresses.
Click here to read the full CFI report, including data on credit approval ratios, aging of receivables, average losses, and employment trend details.