Baltic index hits near one-month low as capesize demand slips

July 1 (Reuters) - The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell for a fifth-straight session on Tuesday, to hit a near one-month low, as demand for capesize vessels slipped.

The main index .BADI eased 31 points, or 2.1%, to 1,458 points, its lowest level since June 3.

The capesize index .BACI dropped 100 points, or 4.7%, to 2,011 points, lowest since May 28.

Average daily earnings for capesize vessels .BATCA, which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, decreased by $833 to $16,677.

Iron ore futures declined as disappointing factory data and persistent property sector woes in top consumer China dampened sentiment. IRONORE/

China's manufacturing activity shrank for the third straight month in June, though at a slower pace. However, business sentiment remains subdued.

The panamax index .BPNI was flat at 1,500 points.

Average daily earnings for panamax vessels .BPWT, which usually carry 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain, decreased by $4 to $13,498.

Among smaller vessels, the supramax index .BSIS added 6 points to 1,018 points.