UPDATE 1-Decline in Brazil consumer defaults nearing an end, Serasa says

SAO PAULO, March 12 (Reuters) - A declining trend in consumer delinquencies in Brazil seen over the last year and a half is nearing an end, credit research company Serasa Experian said on Wednesday, in the latest sign that rising borrowing costs and a sluggish economy are hampering the ability of many Brazilian households to service their debts.