Capesize lead the way

Another strong day in the dry freight market with the Capesize index up 5.16% due to Chinese iron ore restocking and increased infrastructure spending. The index out outperformed the Baltic Dry Index which rose 3.79% after positive performances from the Panamax index at + 1.65% and Supramax Index + 0.77%.   The continued upside moves …

Pre-holiday restocking lifts iron ore futures

Iron ore futures moved above $99 on restocking ahead of the Chinese holiday.   It was a busy day for iron ore traders as a flurry of trades were transacted as steel mills look to restock ahead of the Dragonboat festival holiday on Thursday and Friday.   Some trade sources are expecting more spot supply …

Capesize goes on a bumpy ride

After a strong rally last week, Capesize rates started on a slow with some selling pressure amid the short trading week. Thus, Capesize 5 time charter average dropped slightly by $147 day-on-day to $25,364 on Monday, after some jitters in the morning session about the strength of C3 market. Due to the selling pressure in …

Futures fall but iron ore supply chain ‘super-stretched’

Iron ore futures fell below $100 on Monday amid a seasonal slowdown in Chinese activities.   According to latest data from Steelhome, Chinese iron ore port stockpiles gained for the first time since April to 108.4 million tonnes (up +0.56% w/w), as Australia and Brazil ramped up its iron ore production. Cargoes shipped via Australia’s …

US rig count falls as Asia refiners stall

Both WTI and Brent crude contracts rose about 9% last week and Brent crude futures have flipped into backwardation, so that oil for immediate delivery costs more than that to be provided later, usually an indication of tightening supply.   In Canada and the United States, the number of operating oil and natural gas rigs …