The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, extended its gain on Wednesday to mark its highest level in 3 weeks, supported by greater capesize and panamax rates.

* The general index, which consider rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, rose 39 points, or 2.15%, to 1,852, its highest level because May 15.

* The capesize index acquired 106 points, or 3.73%, to 2,945, reaching its highest level since May 13.

* Typical day-to-day earnings for capesize vessels, which normally transfer 150,000-ton cargoes of iron ore and coal, among others, increased $879 to $24,424.

* The dry bulk market presented a combined efficiency last week, with capesize owners experiencing a rise, particularly in the Pacific area. In contrast, the Panamax and Supramax sectors recorded low demand, Intermodal Research study analyst Chara Georgousi said in a weekly note on Tuesday.

* Iron ore futures extended their decrease to a fifth directly session, striking a seven-week trough, pressed by failing steel demand and expectations of greater shipments to leading consumer China in June.

* The panamax index snapped a seven-session losing streak and climbed up 23 points, or 1.4%, at 1,702.

* Average everyday revenues for panamax vessels, which normally carry about 60,000-70,000 tons of coal or grain cargo, rose $205 to $15,317.

* Among smaller vessels, the supramax index fell by 7 points, or 0.6%, to 1,258, marking its least expensive level considering that April 8.