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Baltic index edges lower on weaker panamax, supramax rates

The Baltic Exchange's primary sea freight index, tracking rates for ships bring dry bulk products, edged lower on Wednesday, pressured by lower rates for panamax and supramax vessel sectors.

* The overall index, which consider rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, shed 3 points or 0.2% to 1,711 points.

* The panamax index, fell by 44 points or 2.4%, at 1,772 points, down for the ninth straight session.

* Average everyday incomes for panamax vessels, which typically carries about 60,000-70,000 lots of coal or grain freight, reduced by $394 at $15,947.

* The instant release of vessels is because of load in Baltimore is likely an aspect, ... it will lower demand for Panamax and larger vessels, shipbroker Allied stated in a weekly note outdated Tuesday.

* Amongst smaller sized vessels, the supramax index shed 19 points or 1.5% to 1,284 points.

* Iron ore futures in China reduced but were trading higher on a weekly basis as market individuals balanced weak demand and hopes for much better future intake.

* The capesize index got 43 points, or 1.8%, at 2,437, its lowest level in almost two months, marking its finest day in over two weeks.

* Typical day-to-day revenues for capesize vessels, which usually transfers 150,000-ton freights such as iron ore and coal, increased by $363 to $20,015.

(source: Reuters)