A new report from White Clarke Group focused on the U.S. auto and equipment finance industry gathered the opinions of business leading including CEOs, directors, chairmen and presidents.

According to the report, the perceived business-friendly presidential administration has increased business and consumer confidence but pre-election promises about regulatory reform, fiscal change and federal spent have yet to be fulfilled.

One of Donald Trump’s core promises during his election campaign was enhanced economic growth but the report says that there is still uncertainty about how the market will develop over the long term.

In the equipment leasing segment, there is a confident atmosphere, as new business volumes increase to reflect stronger economic activity.

Figures from the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) show an acceleration in new business volumes during the first half of 2017.

Ralph Petta, ELFA president and CEO, said, “Business owners are taking advantage of low interest rates, favorable employment data, an equity market that continues to defy gravity, and other solid fundamentals to replace aging assets and, in some cases, expand operations, requiring installation of new equipment.”

In the new vehicle market, while new vehicle sales are set to falter slightly this year, there is still a strong appetite for new cars and light trucks, funded through cheap finance options and low interest rates.

The National Automobile Dealers Association is forecasting total sales of 17.1 million new cars and light trucks in 2017 and although this will represent a fall in demand, it is still expected to be one of the highest performances on record.

Ongoing demand is being funded predominantly through finance, with Experian reporting the average loan amount for a new vehicle reaching a record high last year of $30,621, while used vehicles also achieved new peaks at $19,329 per vehicle.

The rise has caused concern in some areas about the level of debt being taken on by consumers, with the auto loan market now accounting for more than $1.1 trillion.

Although there are fears about vehicle oversupply and its impact on used asset values, the indications are that the market remains robust.

At the same time, the re-emergence of small and regional banks looking to expand services to existing manufacturers, dealers and retailers is continuing to spur growth in the dealer floorplan finance market.