Baltic index extends gains on higher rates across larger vessels

Sept 10 (Reuters) - The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index, which monitors rates for vessels moving dry bulk commodities, hit an over one-month high on Wednesday, driven by increased prices across capesize and panamax vessel segments.

*The main index .BADI, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, increased by 33 points, or 1.6%, to 2,112 points, its highest level since July 28.

*Meanwhile, the capesize index .BACI rose to a more than three-week high, adding 55 points, or 1.8%, to 3,071 points, its highest since August 18.

*Average daily earnings for capesize vessels .BATCA, which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, added $448 to $25,465.

*Iron ore futures retreated on Wednesday, due to some profit-taking and weaker-than-expected inflation data in top consumer China, although the bets of demand picking up along with production resumption among mills curbed losses. IRONORE/

*The panamax index .BPNI gained 52 points, or 2.7%, to 1,975 points, reaching its highest since July 15.

*Average daily earnings for panamax vessels .BPWT, which usually carry 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain, increased by $467 to $17,778.

*Among smaller vessels, the supramax index .BSIS rose 5 points, or 0.3%, to 1,478 points.