Capesize rates firmed again worldwide but brokers said charterers were increasingly conducting business under the counter.
Panamax rates were also firmer east of Suez with both Chinese and Japanese charterers active in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, while Atlantic handysize conditions remained in the doldrums, they added. The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) rose 10 points to 1,491, the Baltic panamax Index gained one point to 1,419, The Baltic Capesize Index jumped up 27 points to 2,055 and the Baltic Handy Index firmed three points to 1,008.