Baltic index hits near one-month high on rising rates across vessels

April 2 (Reuters) - The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk freight index, which monitors rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, rose to its highest in nearly a month on Thursday on higher rates across vessel segments.

The main Baltic index .BADI, which tracks rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels, was up 36 points, or 1.8%, at 2,066, its highest since March 5.

The capesize index .BACI added 63 points, or about 2.1%, to 3,086, an over four-week high.

Average daily earnings for capesize vessels .BATCA, which typically transport 150,000-ton cargoes including iron ore and coal, were up $570 at $24,488.

Meanwhile, iron ore futures slid to their lowest in nearly three weeks, pressured by shrinking steel margins and faltering demand following the completion of pre-holiday restocking in top consumer China. IRONORE/

The panamax index .BPNI added 26 points, or 1.5%, to reach 1,784.

Average daily earnings for panamax vessels .BPWT, which usually carry 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, increased $231 to $16,056.

The supramax index .BSIS gained 15 points, or 1.2%, to 1,224.

Hopes for a swift end to the Middle East war faded on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump vowed more aggressive attacks on Iran, sending oil prices sharply up again in a blow to consumers around the world. O/R