Equipment Loans Surge Over 30% in January

U. S. companies borrowed more than a third more money for equipment in January compared with last year, according to the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association. The new financing reached $11. 6 billion after adjusting for seasonal changes, up 7. 8% from December. This amount is the highest in twenty years for equipment borrowing. Bank activity fell 11. 7% from December, but the overall trend looks positive. The association’s president says that continued investment in artificial intelligence may keep growth strong, even if the Federal Reserve keeps rates high.Small‑ticket equipment loans grew by $5. 3 billion in January, a 5. 5% increase from the previous month. These small loans are an important sign of demand for equipment and the health of the economy. The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s confidence index rose to 67. 6 in February from 64. 6 in January, the highest level since early 2025. Higher confidence often leads to more borrowing and spending on equipment. Overall, the data suggest that U. S. businesses are still eager to invest in new machinery and technology, especially as AI continues to expand.