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Baltic index posts weekly gain on firm need throughout vessel sections

The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index increased on Friday and posted a 5th straight weekly gain, supported by increasing rates throughout all vessel sections.

* The overall index, which factors in rates for panamax, capesize and supramax shipping vessels, was up 94 points or 4.2% to 2,345 points.

* The index was up 6.4% for the week.

* The capesize index got 266 points, or 6.7%, to 4,245, touching its highest level since Dec. 14. It logged a. weekly rise of 6.7%.

* Average everyday incomes for capesize vessels,. which generally carries 150,000-ton freights such as iron ore. and coal, increased by $2,205 to $35,201.

* Iron ore prices dropped as lower-than-expected hot metal. production, and a consistent climb in portside stocks in. leading customer China weighed on market sentiment.

* The panamax index added 21 points, or 1.1%, to. 1,861 points and was up 8% for the week.

* Average day-to-day earnings for panamax vessels, which. normally bring about 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain freight,. were up $194 at $16,750.

* Among smaller sized vessels, the supramax index, ticked. up by an indicate 1,318 points.