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Baltic index strikes over one-week high on capesize strength

The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index rose to more than a week high up on Thursday, supported by gains in the larger vessel sector.

* The general index, which consider rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, added 86 points or 5.1% to 1,774, hitting its highest level since April 23.

* The capesize index acquired 256 points, or 12.1% to 2,372.

* Typical daily earnings for capesize vessels, which normally transports 150,000-ton freights of iron ore and coal, among others, increased $2,117 to $19,670.

* Iron ore and steel futures fell in the middle of risk-off sentiment ahead of a Chinese public vacation, however many contracts posted monthly gains on the back of a better need outlook from the home sector.

* The panamax index was up by 16 points, or about 0.9 to 1,863.

* Average everyday revenues for panamax vessels, which generally carry about 60,000-70,000 lots of coal or grain cargo, added $144 to $16,766.

* Among smaller sized vessels, the supramax index edged lower by 12 indicate 1,466. The index was down for the 4th straight session.

(source: Reuters)