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Baltic index posts 6th straight weekly gain

The Baltic Exchange's primary sea freight index rose on Friday and published a 6th consecutive weekly gain, steered by strong need for panamax and supramax vessel segments.

* The total index, which factors in rates for supramax, panamax and capesize shipping vessels, got 24 points, or 1%, to 2,374 points. The index was up 1.2% for the week.

* The panamax index acquired 101 points, or 4.7%, to 2,234 points, its greatest level in over 3 months. It logged a weekly rise of 20%.

* Typical day-to-day revenues for panamax vessels, which typically bring about 60,000-70,000 lots of coal or grain cargo, were up $909 at $20,106.

* Experts highlighted that the panamax sector is getting a. increase from enhanced belief in the Atlantic and East Coast. South America.

* Among smaller vessels, the supramax index, was up. by 12 points at 1,326 points. It gained for a 6th straight. week.

* The capesize index was down by 23 points, or 0.6%,. at 4,019, its lowest level in over a week and slipped 5.3% for. the week.

* Average everyday profits for capesize vessels,. which generally transports 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore. and coal, decreased by $189 to $33,332.

* Iron ore futures costs tumbled to a more than six-month. low amidst sluggish area purchasing cravings and bleak demand. potential customers in leading consumer China.

(source: Reuters)