Baltic Index Up as Capesizes Halt Losing Streak

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships transporting dry bulk commodities, rose on Thursday as capesize rates gained, snapping a 10-session long losing streak for the vessel segment.

* The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels, gained 7 points, or 0.5 percent, to touch 1,484 points, marking its first rise in 11 sessions.

* The capesize index rose 14 points, or 0.6 percent, to 2,424 points.

* Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000-180,000 tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, picked up $107 to $18,600.

* The panamax index rose by 12 points, an increase of about 0.8 percent, to 1,516 points.

* Average daily earnings for panamaxes, which usually carry coal or grain cargoes of about 60,000 to 70,000 tonnes, increased by $102 to $12,151.

* The supramax index was unchanged at 1,135 points.

Reporting by Arijit Bose in Bengaluru