The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MLFI-25), which reports economic activity from 25 companies representing a cross section of the $900 billion equipment finance sector, showed overall new business volume for July was $9.1 billion, down 3% year over year from new business volume in July 2019. Volume was up 3% month to month from $8.9 billion in June. Year-to-date, cumulative new business volume was down 1% compared with 2019.

Receivables more than 30 days were 2.4%, down from 2.6% the previous month and up from 2% during the same period in 2019. Charge-offs were 0.73%, up from 0.71% the previous month and up from 0.37% in the year-earlier period.

Credit approvals totaled 72.9%, up from 71.5% in June. Total headcount for equipment finance companies was down 2.3% year over year.

Separately, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s Monthly Confidence Index (MCI-EFI) in August is 48.4, an increase from the July index of 45.3

“The July data gives voice to anecdotal evidence from ELFA members that, in the face of rising COVID-19 cases in some areas of the country, equipment demand remains solid in certain market sectors and weak in others,” Ralph Petta, president and CEO of the ELFA, said. “Some middle market businesses and corporate customers continue to operate in pre-pandemic form. Low interest rates, a gravity-defying equities market and abundant liquidity all serve to provide fuel for a strong housing market; however, too many small businesses and the hospitality and restaurant sectors are struggling to turn a profit and keep their people employed. This is not sustainable long term, and the hope is that, as we move into the third quarter, economic growth turns a corner and Americans return to work.”

“Continued incremental improvements in the reported leasing indices have been supported by the enormous stimulus programs of the past several months and the high level of liquidity in the financial markets,” Stefan Breuer, managing director of MUFG Americas Capital Leasing & Finance, said. “Our primarily large corporate customer base has been focused on resizing and prioritizing their capital expenditures and on executing funding programs in the current market environment. Recent stimulus program delays and the upcoming national election uncertainties for many clients appear to be a growing concern and seem to be providing an incentive to complete transactions without delay.”