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Baltic index stable as weaker capesize rates counter gains in smaller sized vessels

The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index was bit changed on Thursday, as gains in smaller vessel sectors countered weaker capesize rates.

* The general index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, was down 1 point, or 0.1%, at 1,581 points.

* The capesize index shed 42 points, or 1.7%, to 2,394 points.

* Average everyday profits for capesize vessels, which generally transfers 150,000-ton freights such as iron ore and coal, reduced by $351 to $19,850.

* The panamax index rose for a 8th straight session. It added 41 points, or 2.6%, to 1,623 points.

* Average everyday incomes for panamax vessels, which typically carries about 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain cargo, was up by $370 at $14,607.

* The general panamax market tone stays meticulously positive, shipbroker Fearnleys composed in Wednesday's weekly note.

* Vessel counts to Australia, Indonesia, and Russia have reached near all-time highs, suggesting an imminent rally based typically seasonal patterns, the note included.

* Among smaller vessels, the supramax index rose by 6 points at 1,058 points.

* Greece-headquartered Star Bulk will stop cruisings through the Red Sea after Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis attacked two of its ships in current days, the group's CEO said on Tuesday.