Baltic dry index edges down as weak cargo demand weighs on freight rates

The Baltic dry bulk index dropped by 0.5% (12 points) to 2,193 on 15 Dec against 12 Dec. The index slipped as weaker Panamax and Supramax rates offset a modest Capesize gain, driven by reduced coal and grain fixing, limited minor bulk enquiries, and rising tonnage availability amid a seasonal year-end slowdown.

• Capesize: BCI rose 0.4% (13 points) to 3,719.
• Panamax: BPI fell 2.6% (44 points) to 1,644.
• Supramax: BSI down by 0.8% (11 points) to 1,360.