Baltic index edges up on higher rates for capesize vessels

Sept 23 (Reuters) - The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index, which monitors rates for vessels moving dry bulk commodities, rose on Tuesday, supported by higher capesize vessel rates.

* The main index .BADI, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, rose 28 points to 2,200 points.

* The capesize index .BACI gained 104 points to 3,469 points.

* Average daily earnings for capesize vessels .BATCA, which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, increased by $867 to $28,770.

* Iron ore futures prices closed lower, pressured by signs of softening end-use steel demand in China, although restocking ahead of the Chinese National Day holiday provided some support during the session. IRONORE/

* The panamax index .BPNI shed 23 points to 1,799 points, its lowest since September 4.

* Average daily earnings for panamax vessels .BPWT, which usually carry 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain, fell by $210 to $16,190.

* Among smaller vessels, the supramax index .BSIS was steady at 1,486 points.