The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation on Friday, June 22, said its June 2012 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry is 48.5, down from the May index of 59.2, reflecting growing concern over the European debt crisis, U.S. unemployment and regulatory and political uncertainty. The index is designed to collect leadership data and reports a qualitative assessment of both the prevailing business conditions and expectations for the future as reported by key executives from the $628 billion equipment finance sector.

“Uncertainty is becoming more pronounced in the economy,” said Harry Kaplun, president of Frost Equipment Leasing and Finance. “International economic problems, U.S. unemployment and potential political changes all contribute to a hesitancy to make major capital expenditures.”