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US Business Investment Surges, Equipment Financing Soars

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 18:25 GMT by socastsrm.com
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Washington, D.C. - February 17th, 2026 - US businesses are demonstrably reinvesting in their operations, as evidenced by a significant uptick in equipment financing. New data released today by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) reveals that new business borrowing for equipment soared over 5% in October of 2025, reaching a total volume of $10.8 billion. This represents a robust 8% increase compared to October 2024 and a healthy 5% gain over September 2025, signaling a sustained trend of business confidence and expansion.

The ELFA's Monthly Leasing Activity Report, a closely watched indicator of economic health, paints a picture of growing investment across diverse sectors. The report tracks U.S. equipment finance and leasing activity, providing valuable insights into the broader economic landscape. While many economic forecasts in late 2025 predicted a slowdown in capital expenditure, these figures suggest a more optimistic trajectory.

Key October 2025 Figures:

• New Business Volume: $10.8 billion (Up 8% year-over-year, Up 5% month-over-month)
• Cancellation and Rejection Rate: 5.6% (Down from 6.2% in September 2025)

"October was a strong month for the equipment finance and leasing industry," confirmed an ELFA spokesperson. "The consistent growth in new business volume indicates that companies are actively seeking to upgrade their equipment, expand capacity, and improve efficiency. This is a positive sign for overall economic growth."

Sectoral Drivers of Growth

Analysts point to several key sectors driving the increased demand for equipment financing. The manufacturing sector, buoyed by reshoring initiatives and increased domestic demand, has been a major contributor. Companies are investing heavily in automated systems, robotics, and advanced machinery to enhance productivity and competitiveness. The transportation sector also shows strong activity, with trucking companies and logistics providers upgrading their fleets to meet rising shipping demands and comply with increasingly stringent emissions regulations.

Furthermore, the construction industry continues to benefit from infrastructure spending outlined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This has fueled demand for construction equipment, including excavators, cranes, and bulldozers, financed through leasing and loan arrangements.

Declining Cancellation Rates: A Sign of Stability?

The decrease in canceled and rejected applications, from 6.2% in September to 5.6% in October, is another encouraging signal. This suggests that businesses are experiencing fewer hurdles in securing financing and that lenders are maintaining a relatively stable appetite for risk. Throughout 2025, concerns about rising interest rates and potential economic headwinds led to increased scrutiny of loan applications. The slight easing of these concerns, coupled with the positive economic data, appears to be fostering a more favorable lending environment.

Looking Ahead to 2026

While the October numbers are undeniably positive, experts caution against excessive optimism. The global economic outlook remains uncertain, with geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures posing ongoing challenges. However, the resilience demonstrated by US businesses in late 2025 suggests a capacity to adapt and thrive.

"We anticipate continued, albeit potentially moderate, growth in equipment financing throughout the first half of 2026," stated Dr. Anya Sharma, Senior Economic Advisor at Global Finance Insights. "The key will be whether businesses can maintain profitability in the face of rising costs and whether consumer demand remains robust. The data from ELFA suggests they are, at least for now, proactively investing in their future."

The ELFA report is expected to continue providing valuable data for monitoring business investment trends and assessing the overall health of the US economy. Future reports will be crucial in understanding if this growth is sustainable and whether it can translate into broader economic gains.