Global hiring demand in equipment finance and commercial lending reversed course in the fourth quarter, after five straight quarters of growth, as the Global Equipment Leasing and Asset Finance (GELAF) Index closed at 100.7. Europe showed continued austerity and concern with France and Germany posting less job opportunities in Q3 and Q4. China was also a big story with a precipitous drop in demand posted at the end of the year.

Also cooling in the fourth quarter was the U.S., which posted lower demand during Q4, after a seemingly strong close the third quarter of 2015. U.S. hiring demand had been the main force of growth in the global index up throughout 2015. Their were two gainers in the fourth quarter worth noting - Mexico led the charge with significantly more job opportunities available in Q4, and Russia showed a slight increase. 2016 looks to begin the year in softened position for new hiring.

USA Snapshot

While reasonable numbers of job opportunities still exist and companies are continuing to hire, the pace of new openings has slowed, in a quarter when many firms are typically positioning for next years growth.

Comparing hiring demand to the Leasing Industry MFLI index which tracks new business volume, the volatility in 2015 volume origination could be casting doubt on 2016 plans, with more companies taking conservative views to headcount expansion for 2016.

New Business volume is getting more difficult to achieve which could put a bigger premium on sales talent in 2016.

Read the full ZRG Partners 2015 Q4 Year End Review