Monthly Confidence Index: April 2026
Washington, DC, April 16, 2026 – The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) today released its April 2026 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI), revealing confidence in the equipment finance market is 54.6, a decrease from 61.0 in March, and the lowest level since May 2025 in the wake of the Trump administration’s announcement of universal tariffs. Comments from some MCI survey respondents indicate the impact of the war in Iran on their outlook. The index provides a qualitative assessment from key executives in the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry.
Comments from Industry Executive Leadership
This is not exactly what I envisioned, but there's no widget that does what I want it to do. I'm leaving this as a place holder to remind me. I want to play with the placement of the eyebrow and quote text. I think instead of the name in that larger text, it would just be the quote and the person's name bolded under it. You can't see that because the field with the quote only allows a small number of characters. Basically, I think it would be an eyebrow, headshot and person's quote underneath with either their name being displayed under the quote or under the image but not in that very large font that's there now. I prefer the full quote text on the page so the user doesn't have to click through anywhere, but it could pop a modal with the quote when clicked or hovered over as well.
David Normandin, CLFP, Wintrust Specialty Finance
Jim DeFrank, Isuzu Finance of America, Inc.
“I remain optimistic about the near-term outlook for the equipment finance industry and the broader economy. Continued investment in productivity and modernization is creating favorable conditions for growth.”
Jim DeFrank, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, Isuzu Finance of America, Inc.
Jeffry Elliott, CLFP, Elevex Capital
“War in Iran has begun a global economic recessionary movement as many eastern nations lack access to oil and natural gas, which are major components to many sectors in their economies and cannot be readily replaced. Expect international markets to slide first, then contagion to U.S. markets.”
James D. Jenks, Global Finance and Leasing Services, LLC
“The war in Iran is causing economic challenges for some people and businesses. The sooner it is over, the better.”
