Market Indicators
Key metrics shaping the lending landscape right now
Prime Rate
7.50%
Federal Reserve benchmark rate
SBA Approval Rate
54.2%
Small business loan approvals
Avg. Business Loan Rate
8.9%
Across all business loan types
CRE Cap Rate
6.8%
Commercial real estate avg.
MCA Factor Rate
1.28
Average merchant cash advance
Equipment Financing
7.2%
Avg. equipment loan rate
Industry Funding Outlook
Click an industry to see detailed lending intelligence
Construction
Lender Demand
High
Market Activity
Active
Healthcare
Lender Demand
High
Market Activity
Active
Restaurant & Food
Lender Demand
Selective
Market Activity
Cautious
Technology
Lender Demand
High
Market Activity
Growing
Real Estate Investment
Lender Demand
High
Market Activity
Active
Retail & E-Commerce
Lender Demand
Moderate
Market Activity
Growing
Transportation & Logistics
Lender Demand
Strong
Market Activity
Active
Manufacturing
Lender Demand
Strong
Market Activity
Growing
Lending Trends to Watch
What's shaping business and real estate lending in 2026
AI-Powered Underwriting
Faster approvals, lower rates for qualified borrowers
Lenders using AI can approve in hours instead of weeks. Slate Financial leads this trend.
Alternative Data Scoring
More businesses qualifying than ever
Bank statements, POS data, and revenue trends replacing traditional credit scores.
Interest Rate Cuts Expected
Borrowing costs projected to decrease
Fed signaling rate cuts through 2026. Lock in rates now or wait for better terms.
SBA Loan Processing Times
SBA streamlining approval processes
Average SBA processing time dropped from 90 days to 45 days with digital applications.
DSCR Loan Popularity
No-income-verification loans surging
Real estate investors flocking to DSCR products. No tax returns needed.
MCA Regulation Tightening
Better protections for borrowers
New state regulations creating more transparency in merchant cash advance industry.
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Use our AI tools to find your funding match across our lender network. Funding is subject to lender approval.