Baltic freight index eases, with weakness across vessel segments

Sept 22 (Reuters) - The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index, which monitors rates for vessels moving dry bulk commodities, edged down on Monday, with weakness seen across vessel segments.

* The main index .BADI, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, lost 31 points to 2,172 points.

* The capesize index .BACI snapped a six-day winning run to fall 72 points, or 2.1%, to 3,365.

* Average daily earnings for capesize vessels .BATCA, which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, fell $601 to $27,903.

* Iron ore futures prices advanced as blast furnace steel production increased amid rising demand for building materials ahead of China's National Day holidays. IRONORE/

* Meanwhile, the panamax index .BPNI lost 23 points, or 1.3%, to 1,822, its lowest since September 5.

* Average daily earnings for panamax vessels .BPWT, which usually carry 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain, lost $203 to $16,400.

* Among smaller vessels, the supramax index .BSIS lost 3 points, to 1,486 points.