Baltic freight index rises on strength across vessel segments

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, rose on Thursday, supported by firmer rates across all vessel segments.

* The main index BBDI, which tracks rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, added 14 points, or 0.7%, to 2,008 points.

* The capesize index (.BACI) was up 17 points, or 0.5%, at 3,204.

* Average daily earnings for capesize vessels (.BATCA), which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, rose $142 to $26,576.

* Dalian iron ore futures edged lower as investors weighed an uncertain demand outlook against efforts to curb overcapacity in China, while record exports from major producer Brazil further pressured market sentiment.

* The panamax index (.BPNI) was up 6 points, or 0.4%, at 1,649.

* Average daily earnings for panamax vessels (.BPWT), which usually carry 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain, rose $54 to $14,845.

* Among smaller vessels, the supramax index (.BSIS) added 17 points, or 1.3%, to 1,317, its highest level since July 22.