Main sea freight index at Baltic Exchange continues to stay below 900 points

Published: Oct 18, 2016 09:32
The main sea freight index at Baltic Exchange for ships carrying dry bulk commodities continued to stay below 900 points on Friday as subdued shipping activity finally impacted hire rates.

UNITED KINGDOM October 17 2016 3:11 PM

LONDON (Scrap Register): The main sea freight index at Baltic Exchange for ships carrying dry bulk commodities continued to stay below 900 points on Friday as subdued shipping activity finally impacted hire rates.

The Baltic Dry Index, which provides an assessment of the price of moving the major raw materials – such as coal, iron ore and grain – by sea by taking in 23 shipping routes measured on a time charter basis, down further by 08 points to 892 points on Friday.

Shippers commented that early in the week, shipping activity was surprisingly quiet, and although there were cargoes ready for transport across the Pacific, few deals were actually conducted. 

This is likely behind the fall apart of hire rates and the BDI value and could continue to pressure the BDI as the week continues. There have been no indications of an increase in activity.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Downstream wait-and-see sentiment is strong, SHFE copper premium under pressure at high levels [SMM Shanghai spot copper]
5 mins ago
Downstream wait-and-see sentiment is strong, SHFE copper premium under pressure at high levels [SMM Shanghai spot copper]
Read More
Downstream wait-and-see sentiment is strong, SHFE copper premium under pressure at high levels [SMM Shanghai spot copper]
Downstream wait-and-see sentiment is strong, SHFE copper premium under pressure at high levels [SMM Shanghai spot copper]
[SMM Shanghai Spot Copper] Looking ahead to tomorrow, as some imported cargoes gradually arrive at ports, the available supply in the Shanghai market will be somewhat replenished compared with the earlier period, exerting certain pressure on spot premiums. On the demand side, although SHFE copper prices pulled back during last night's night session, according to SMM, actual procurement volumes from end-users remain relatively limited, with downstream players overall maintaining a strong wait-and-see sentiment. Purchases are still mainly need-based, and acceptance of the current high-premium cargoes is not high. Meanwhile, as market pricing gradually shifts to the 2610 contract, spot premiums against the October contract remain at a relatively high level. Although some suppliers are willing to lower their quotes, their willingness to sell at low prices is also limited. Overall, under the combined effect of increased imported arrivals and weak end-use demand, the center of spot copper quotes against the SHFE copper 2610 contract is expected to edge lower tomorrow. However, considering that available circulating cargoes have not yet become notably ample and suppliers still intend to hold prices firm, spot premiums are expected to remain at a relatively high level.
5 mins ago
Contract rollover releases rigid demand; discounts in North China narrow and rise [SMM North China Spot Copper]
2 hours ago
Contract rollover releases rigid demand; discounts in North China narrow and rise [SMM North China Spot Copper]
Read More
Contract rollover releases rigid demand; discounts in North China narrow and rise [SMM North China Spot Copper]
Contract rollover releases rigid demand; discounts in North China narrow and rise [SMM North China Spot Copper]
In North China today, spot #1 copper cathode was quoted at a discount of 150-50 yuan/mt against the front-month contract, with an average discount of 100 yuan/mt, up 60 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The average transaction price was 107,447 yuan/mt, down 1,300 yuan/mt from the previous trading day.
2 hours ago
Large price spread between futures contracts on delivery day; spot trades sluggish [SMM South China spot copper]
2 hours ago
Large price spread between futures contracts on delivery day; spot trades sluggish [SMM South China spot copper]
Read More
Large price spread between futures contracts on delivery day; spot trades sluggish [SMM South China spot copper]
Large price spread between futures contracts on delivery day; spot trades sluggish [SMM South China spot copper]
2 hours ago