The most recent survey shows that loans and leases for business equipment in the U.S. rose 6% in...

The most recent survey shows that loans and leases for business equipment in the U.S. rose 6% in December from a year ago, as companies staged their usual year-end rush to complete purchases. Financing on new equipment hit a record $11.5B last month, up from $10.8B a year ago. For the year, business volume rose 14% over 2011 to $84.4B. December is typically the busiest month of the year for financing, as companies complete budgeted purchasing programs, but this year was undoubtedly boosted by concerns over potential changes to federal tax depreciation rates under the looming fiscal cliff threat.