The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk freight index fell to a more than six-week low on Thursday, as weaker Capesize rates outweighed gains in the Panamax and supramax segments.
The main Baltic index fell 21 points, or 0.7 per cent, to 2,973 points, its lowest level since August 25.
The Capesize index fell 85 points, or 1.9 per cent, to 4,512 points, its lowest level since August 20.
Average daily earnings for Capesize vessels fell $768 to $37,420.
Dalian iron ore prices touched an 18-month low on Thursday, the first working day after a week-long holiday break in top consumer China, as weak steel margins dimmed the demand outlook for the key steelmaking ingredient.
The Panamax index gained 26 points, or 1.1 per cent, to reach 2,410 points.
Average daily earnings for Panamax vessels rose $232 to $21,688.
Among smaller vessels, the supramax index increased eight points, or 0.4 per cent, to 1,808 points.
(Reporting by Vedika Thorat in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
