The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, rose on Wednesday as all vessel segments posted higher rates.

• The main Baltic index, which tracks rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels, added 126 points, or 4.1%, to 3,189.

• The capesize index climbed 258 points, or 5.1%, to 5,340.

• Average daily earnings for capesize vessels, which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes, including iron ore and coal, gained $2,342 to $44,930.

• Iron ore futures struggled for direction on Wednesday as traders weighed tighter supply stemming from lower shipments from Australia and Brazil against weak domestic steel demand in China. 

• The panamax index rose 94 points, or 4%, to 2,454.

• Average daily earnings for panamax vessels, which usually carry 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, gained $842 to $22,083.

• Among smaller vessels, the supramax index added 18 points, or 1.2%, to 1,553.

(Reuters)