Baltic Index Falls Further, but Logs Best Year Since 2016

The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, was up for a second session on Thursday, rising by 1.7% to its highest since October 13 at 2,740 points, propelled by the larger vessel segments. The capesize index, which typically transports 150,000-ton cargoes, including iron ore and coal, also advanced for the second day, surging by 2.3% to a near one-month high of 4,191 points; and the panamax index, which usually carries 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, rose by 3.3% to an over one-week high of 1,956 points. Among smaller vessels, the supramax index fell further by 0.6% to its lowest since October 12 at 1,824 points.

The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, jumped by 4% to 2,694 points on Wednesday, halting a two-day losing streak, supported by the larger vessels. The capesize index, which typically transports 150,000-ton cargoes, including iron ore and coal, also snapped a two-day losing streak, soaring by 7.2% to 4,097 points, likely tracking higher iron ore prices. At the same time, the panamax index, which usually carries 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, rose by 1.5% to a near one-week high of 1,894 points, after 15 consecutive sessions of declines. Among smaller vessels, the supramax index fell by 0.6% to its lowest since October 13 at 1,835 points.

The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, eased for the second straight session on Tuesday, dropping 2.2% to its lowest since October 19 at 2,590 points. All vessel segments moved lower, with the downturn particularly pronounced among larger vessels. The capesize index, which typically transports 150,000-ton cargoes, including iron ore and coal, was also down for the second day, slipping by 3.6% to a one-week low of 3,821 points, likely tracking lower iron ore prices amid increased supply from major suppliers and sluggish demand for the commodity. At the same time, the panamax index, which usually carries 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, fell by 0.4% to its lowest since April 13 at 1,866 points, extending its losing streak to 15 successive sessions. Among smaller vessels, the supramax index decreased by 0.5% to its lowest since October 14 at 1,846 points.