Baltic index inches up on higher capesize vessel rates

March 6 (Reuters) - The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index, which monitors rates for vessels moving dry bulk commodities, climbed on Thursday, lifted by gains in the capesize vessel segment.

The main index .BADI, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, rose by 58 points to 1,286 points.

The capesize index .BACI gained 188 points to 2,082 points.

Average daily earnings for capesize vessels .BATCA, which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, increased by $1,556 to $17,267.

Iron ore futures prices declined as trade concerns and reports of steel production cuts in China outweighed additional stimulus measures to boost consumption.IRONORE/

The panamax index .BPNI shed eight points to 992 points, its lowest since February 14.

Average daily earnings for panamax vessels .BPWT, which usually carry 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain, fell by $72 to $8,931.

Among smaller vessels, the supramax index .BSIS was down four points to 864 points, dropping for a sixth straight session.