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Baltic index increases as capesize, supramax sectors publish gains

The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index extended gains for a fourth straight session to struck an over onemonth high up on Wednesday, buoyed by company rates in the capesize and supramax sections.

* The total index, which factors in rates for supramax, capesize and panamax shipping vessels, was up 44 points, or 2.7%, at 1,676 points, its greatest since Jan. 9.

* The capesize index got 134 points, or 5.6%, to 2,543, a six-week high.

* Typical daily profits for capesize vessels, which generally transfers 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, increased by $1,111 to $21,092.

* The deficiency of supply, especially in the Atlantic, has continued to reinforce rates due to continuous interruptions in both the Panama and Suez canals, which have had a favorable effect on tonne-mile demand from the viewpoint of shipowners, Intermodal Research Study Analyst Chara Georgousi said in a weekly note on Tuesday.

* The panamax index snapped its eleven-session increasing streak, shedding 33 points, or 1.9%, to 1,673 points.

* Average everyday incomes for panamax vessels, which usually carries about 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain cargo, was down $294 at $15,058.

* Amongst smaller sized vessels, the supramax index rose for a sixth straight session to reach its highest level since Jan. 19. It got 25 indicate 1,154 points.