{
  "id": 12958301,
  "title": "Baltic dry bulk freight index hits six-week low on weaker rates",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/baltic-dry-bulk-freight-index-hits-six-week-low-on-weaker-rates",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-08T21:00:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hellenic Shipping News",
    "slug": "hellenic-shipping-news",
    "url": "https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/baltic-dry-bulk-freight-index-hits-six-week-low-on-weaker-rates/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Baltic dry bulk freight index has reached its lowest level in over six weeks, driven by a decline in capesize rates. The main Baltic index, which tracks rates for capesize, panamax, and supramax vessels, fell 21 points, or 0.7%, to 2,973 points. This represents the index's lowest reading since August 25. The capesize index specifically dropped 85 points, or 1.9%, to 4,512 points, marking its lowest level since August 20. Average daily earnings for capesize vessels, which transport large cargoes like iron ore and coal, decreased by $768 to $37,420. Meanwhile, Dalian iron ore prices hit an 18-month low on the first working day after a week-long Chinese holiday, the top importer's usual peak purchasing season. The panamax index rose by 26 points, or 1.1%, to 2,410 points, with average daily earnings for panamax vessels increasing by $232 to $21,688. Reduced steel margins have dampened demand for this crucial ingredient in steel production.",
  "summary": "The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk freight index dropped to its lowest point in more than six weeks on Thursday as declining capesize rates offset increases in the panamax and supramax segments. The main Baltic index, which monitors rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels, decreased 21 points, or 0.7%, to 2,973 points. This marked the ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}