The Baltic bulk shipping index fell on Tuesday to a near seven-week low in its worst performance in more than a month as rates in the ship segments hit multi-week lows.
The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) is an index of the average prices paid for transporting dry bulk cargo on more than 20 routes. The BDI is often seen as a leading indicator of economic activity, as changes in the index reflect global supply and demand.
The general index, which includes rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels, lost 147 points, or 7.3%, to 1875, hitting a new low since Nov. 23.
The capesize index fell 350 points, or 9.7%, to 3,249, also posting its biggest daily decline since Dec. 7.
Average daily earnings for capesize ships, which typically carry 150,000 tonnes of cargo such as iron ore and coal, fell by $2,910 to $26,941.
Iron ore futures fell for a fourth straight session, albeit at a slower pace, as China's steelmakers remained cautious in rebuilding stockpiles ahead of the holidays amid weak steel demand.
The panamax index fell 71 points, or 4.4%, to a two-month low of 1,534, for its eighth straight session of decline.
Average daily earnings for panamax ships, which typically carry about 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain cargoes, fell $639 to $13,810.
Among smaller vessels, the supramax index declined for the 19th consecutive session. It fell 32 points to 1,162.
Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen have stepped up attacks on ships in the Red Sea, affecting the vital trade route of the Suez Canal. In response, some shipping companies have instructed ships to instead sail around South Africa, a slower and more expensive route.
The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) is an index of the average prices paid for transporting dry bulk cargo on more than 20 routes. The BDI is often seen as a leading indicator of economic activity, as changes in the index reflect global supply and demand.
The general index, which includes rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels, lost 147 points, or 7.3%, to 1875, hitting a new low since Nov. 23.
The capesize index fell 350 points, or 9.7%, to 3,249, also posting its biggest daily decline since Dec. 7.
Average daily earnings for capesize ships, which typically carry 150,000 tonnes of cargo such as iron ore and coal, fell by $2,910 to $26,941.
Iron ore futures fell for a fourth straight session, albeit at a slower pace, as China's steelmakers remained cautious in rebuilding stockpiles ahead of the holidays amid weak steel demand.
The panamax index fell 71 points, or 4.4%, to a two-month low of 1,534, for its eighth straight session of decline.
Average daily earnings for panamax ships, which typically carry about 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain cargoes, fell $639 to $13,810.
Among smaller vessels, the supramax index declined for the 19th consecutive session. It fell 32 points to 1,162.
Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen have stepped up attacks on ships in the Red Sea, affecting the vital trade route of the Suez Canal. In response, some shipping companies have instructed ships to instead sail around South Africa, a slower and more expensive route.
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