Baltic index drops to near one-month low on weaker rates across all vessel segments

The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index, which monitors rates for vessels moving dry bulk commodities, fell to a near one-month low on Wednesday, as rates across all vessel segments declined.

* The main index BBDI, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, fell 154 points to 1,980 points, its lowest since September 5.

* The capesize index (.BACI) dropped 415 points to 2,890 points, a near one-month low.

* Average daily earnings for capesize vessels (.BATCA), which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, decreased by $3,437 to $23,968.

* The panamax index (.BPNI) lost 51 points to 1,725 points, its lowest level since September 3.

* Average daily earnings for panamax vessels (.BPWT), which usually carry 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain, fell by $464 to $15,521.

* Among smaller vessels, the supramax index (.BSIS) was down 6 points at 1,467 points.