The monthly confidence index for the equipment finance industry (MCI-EFI), which is based on a survey measuring the level of confidence among executives in the equipment finance sector, has rebounded by 13.7 basis points month-on-month to sit at 58.2 for June.

The sharp jump from May’s MCI-EFI of 44.5 sees the index return to its historically more positive levels before the US Administration’s tariff announcements in March.

The survey, which is conducted monthly by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (ELFF), also found that 29.6% of respondents believe business conditions will improve in the next four months, a massive increase from just 4% in May.

None of those surveyed evaluated the US economy as “excellent,” unchanged from May with 96.3% evaluating it as “fair,” up from 84% the previous month.

The survey also found 29.6% of respondents believe US economic conditions will get “better” over the next six months, up from 12% in May while 18.5% believe economic conditions in the US will worsen over the next six months, a decrease from 44% the previous month.

Survey respondent Jim DeFrank, EVP and chief operating officer with Isuzu Finance of America says: “As companies are getting a better feel for where tariffs will land, it’s very plausible we’ll see pent-up demand begin to release, backlogged or postponed purchases resurface, and a shift in financing behaviour. Leasing in particular could spike, as companies look to preserve cash while still upgrading assets.”

Another survey participant, Charles Jones, senior vice president,1st Equipment Finance, adds: “As tariff talks continue to ping pong back and forth, one thing is clear: businesses continue to grow and demand financing. Tired of the ‘wait and see’ approach, many are pulling the trigger and looking forward.”