The Alta Group 2026 Insights

If you had to describe last year in one word, 2025 might be characterized with the term “uncertainty.” But that tells only part of the story of the day-to-day realities experienced by equipment finance industry leaders. The past year was far more than uncertain; it was replete with inconsistency and volatility. For example, economic indicators swung in opposing directions, often in the same quarter. Interest-rate cut expectations shifted month to month, and trade policies and tariffs affected decision making regarding capital investments. Moreover, executives polled in the most recent ISM Manufacturing PMI report noted that economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted for the tenth consecutive month in December, following a two-month expansion that interrupted a prior 26-month contraction.

Click here to read the full report.

Therefore, it could be said that 2025 ushered in an age of whiplash — a series of “start-stop” cycles during which every forward signal was paired with a cautionary message to hold tight. Businesses that delayed capital investments last year while waiting for greater clarity are realizing they now must move forward, despite the uncertainty, to ensure continuity and growth. 

Last year tested every assumption, yet our industry proved it thrives in complexity. Despite conflicting economic signals, tariff volatility, and shifting rates, equipment finance continued to support mission-critical investment. In 2026, momentum is strong in technology, AI infrastructure, and clean-energy equipment, even as traditional categories remain mixed. Tailwinds such as Fed rate cuts, permanent bonus depreciation, and potential regulatory relief could finally unlock pent-up capex. Still, elevated inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and credit risks mean disciplined underwriting and selective investment remain essential for stability and growth.

Valerie L. Gerard
Co-CEO at Alta Group

In 2026, we could be looking at an uneven economy — with growth concentrated in technology and AI infrastructure. U.S. GDP forecasts vary widely across major forecasters, with projections generally ranging from 1.8% to 2.6%, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the outlook. Even so, the equipment finance industry is well positioned to support clients navigating selective capex demand, particularly for technology-related assets. Meanwhile, spending on more traditional machinery and equipment is likely to remain mixed, with investment patterns differing significantly by sector.

Download the 2026 Insights Report For:

• The first-ever Alta Pulsepoint, a heatmap that identifies key risks and opportunities for equipment finance.
• Outlooks for bank-owned, captive-owned, and independent equipment leasing and finance organizations.
• Tailwinds and headwinds shaping equipment finance, from developments that could unleash pent-up capital expenditures, to economic and geopolitical risks.
• Evolving finance strategies and equipment categories. This includes shifts in technology financing away from traditional equipment toward newer types of assets; data center equipment financing; and “intelligence-as-a-service” capabilities that are opening new revenue streams. 
• The growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) advances on the industry.
• In-depth analysis from Alta’s experienced equipment finance advisors.
• And much more…