Baltic Dry Index Rose 87 Points to 2,680 Points on October 21
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The Baltic Dry Index, the leading benchmark for dry bulk shipping freight rates, rose 87 points this Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to reach 2,680 points. This is its highest level since October 13, driven by the sharp rise in Capesize rates.
What the index measures
The Baltic Dry Index is compiled by the London-based Baltic Exchange, which surveys shipbrokers around the world daily to calculate the costs of transporting cargoes such as coal, grain and iron ore. The index reached an all-time high of 11,793 points on May 20, 2008, while its lowest level was recorded on February 10, 2016, when it fell to 290 points.
Rise led by Capesizes
The overall index's advance, equivalent to 3.36%, was driven by the Capesize segment, whose index gained 271 points (7.69%) to reach 3,793 points. Average daily earnings for these vessels rose by $2,453, to $30,895 per day.
Panamax decline and slight Supramax gain
In contrast, the Panamax index fell 43 points (1.91%) to 2,204 points, with average daily earnings down $387, standing at $19,836. Among smaller vessels, the Supramax index rose just two points (0.11%) to 1,870 points. Iron ore futures remained virtually unchanged, as the recovery in freight costs and expectations of short-term supply disruptions offset weak underlying demand.
