The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk freight index, which measures shipping rates for vessels transporting dry bulk commodities, edged up 0.3% to 3,336 points on Thursday, breaking a five-session losing streak that had driven the gauge to its lowest level since September 1.
The capesize index—covering larger vessels that typically carry 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal—rose 0.8% to 5,656 points. The segment found partial support from firmer iron ore prices, as Chinese steelmakers stepped up seaborne purchases ahead of a national holiday.
The supramax index also advanced, gaining 0.8% to 1,762 points.
In contrast, the panamax index, which reflects rates for ships that usually haul 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, extended its decline, falling a further 1.8% to 2,282 points.
