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Baltic index extends losses on falling capesize rates

The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index, tracking rates for ships bring dry bulk commodities, declined for a 3rd successive session on Wednesday, weighed down by weaker rates for the capesize vessel sector.

* The total index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, fell by 30 points, or 1.7%, to 1,774 points, its most affordable level since April 15.

* The capesize index shed 113 points, or 4.6%, to 2,345. The index was down for a fourth straight session.

* Average everyday earnings for capesize vessels, which typically transfers 150,000-ton freights such as iron ore and coal, decreased by $944 to $19,445.

* Iron ore futures prices was up to their least expensive level in almost one week on indications of softening in the steel market due to suppressed need in leading consumer China.

* The panamax index edged down to 1,910 points.

* Average everyday incomes for panamax vessels, which typically brings about 60,000-70,000 lots of coal or grain cargo, lost $35 to $17,187.

* Among smaller vessels, the supramax index was up by 26 points, or 1.8%, to 1,456 points.

* There was strong demand observed throughout all filling zones in the Atlantic, more reinforced by significant coal exports from Indonesia, which improved the usage of Supramax vessel, Intermodal Research Analyst Chara Georgousi said in a. weekly note on Tuesday.

(source: Reuters)