 TITLE: Derogatory Marks in Credit Reports Slow Amid Pandemic CONTENT: Average Number of Bankruptcies in Credit Reports Has Declined in Recent Months\n------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nSince the beginning of the year, initial research shows that the number of consumer bankruptcies listed in credit reports has fallen, according to Experian data. From January 2020 to June 2020, the average number of bankruptcies listed in consumers' credit files decreased by 3%. This is a contrast to the same period last year, when the average number of bankruptcies increased by 2%.\nIn 2010, consumer bankruptcies peaked following the economic impacts of the Great Recession, according to data from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. The process of filing for bankruptcy takes time and is typically a last resort for those who are struggling with high debt because of the substantial negative effect to credit scores. For that reason, it's still unclear if a similar trend will eventually emerge as a result of the current recession. END