The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight indicator, which tracks rates of ships transporting dry bulk products, was stable on Monday, as gains in the panmax and supramax segments were offset by a drop in capesize rate.

* The overall index (which includes rates for Capesize, Panmax, and Supramax vessels) remained unchanged at 1,948.

* The capesize Index fell 19 points or 0.6% to 2,938.

The average daily earnings of capesize ships, which transport cargos such as coal and iron ore, typically weighing 150,000 tons, were down $162 to $24,363.

* The price of iron ore futures fell after a combination of poor economic data, floods in China and high temperatures cast a cloud over the demand outlook for the near term.

* The panamax Index was up 10 points or 0.5% to 1,960. This is its highest level since the 14th of May.

* The average daily earnings of panamax vessels that carry 60,000 to 70,000 tons coal or grain, increased from $91 up to $17 637.

* The supramax index for smaller vessels was up 11 or 0.8% points to 1,346. This is its highest level since the 23rd of May.

The Houthis of Yemen have announced that they attacked two civilian ships, along with an American destroyer, in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea on Sunday, as part of their latest attempt to disrupt shipping, which they claim is in support of Palestinians in Gaza. (Reporting and editing by Shreya biswas in Bengaluru, Anmol Choubey from Bengaluru)