According to the Q3 update from the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation, business confidence will likely improve and fuel greater investment in the second half of 2015.

Although expectations are lower than 2014, when investment in equipment and software grew 5.8%, the sector is still anticipated a 5% growth in 2015. There was a 3.8% increase in growth in Q1/15, which was a boost from the 1.6% figure recorded in Q4/14.

GDP will also experience growth based on projections, with a mark of 2.6% the current prediction. The expectation comes despite a 0.2% contraction in Q1/15 caused primarily by severe winter weather, a port strike on the West Coast and a stronger dollar harming net exports. However, with the labor market strengthening and consumer spending improving, the outlook remains positive.

Along with prospective growth in investment and GDP, credit availability and demand continue to rise at a gradual rate.

The report from the ELFF also breaks down the outlook for 12 individual equipment and software verticals. Mining and oilfield machinery, railroad equipment, trucks investment and agricultural machinery are all areas that appear to be headed for weaker or negative growth.

The full report can be accessed here.