Fitch: U.S. Bankruptcy Filings to Drop 4%-5% in 2012

NEW YORK--()--Link to Fitch Ratings' Report: Bankruptcy Filings to Recede Further

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=674874

Although it will be difficult to top 2011, bankruptcy filings will continue to drop to the tune of an added 4% to 5% before the year is out, according to Fitch Ratings in a new report.

The first three months of 2012 are helping to support that projection, with bankruptcies tracking roughly 8%-10% below last year. That said, the pace of improvement for bankruptcy filings figures to level off as banks begin to loosen underwriting standards and grant more consumers access to larger credit lines.

Nonetheless, the overall improvement Fitch is projecting means continued stability for credit card ABS performance. Fitch expects credit card ABS chargeoffs to remain below 6% well into third quarter-2012 (3Q'12).

The effect of decreased bankruptcy filings on credit card ABS collateral has remained very positive. Notably, credit card delinquencies and chargeoffs fell dramatically last year. Overall losses fell below 6% in 4Q'11, 35% better than 4Q'10.

'Bankruptcy Filings to Recede Further' is available at 'www.fitchratings.com' or by clicking on the above link.

Additional information is available on www.fitchratings.com

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Contacts

Fitch, Inc.
Herman C. Poon, +1-212-908-0847
Director
One State Street Plaza, New York, NY 10004
Michael Dean, +1-212-908-0566
Managing Director
Cynthia Ullrich, +1-212-908-0609
Senior Director
or
Media Relations
Sandro Scenga, New York, +1-212-908-0278
sandro.scenga@fitchratings.com

Contacts

Fitch, Inc.
Herman C. Poon, +1-212-908-0847
Director
One State Street Plaza, New York, NY 10004
Michael Dean, +1-212-908-0566
Managing Director
Cynthia Ullrich, +1-212-908-0609
Senior Director
or
Media Relations
Sandro Scenga, New York, +1-212-908-0278
sandro.scenga@fitchratings.com