The Baltic Dry Index falls another 3.8% and is now trading at its lowest levels since the 1980s, even as traded volumes of many commodities are reaching record levels.
• The dry-bulk market has been sunk by a perfect storm as new ships ordered after the financial crisis have hit the seas just as Chinese economic growth has slowed and commodity prices have turned lower.
• Earnings for a capesize vessel typically used to transport coal and iron ore have fallen to $6,707/day today, down ~50% Y/Y and hardly enough to cover daily operating expenses of $6K-$10K.
• As one analyst says, some of the share prices are starting to reflect almost a state of bankruptcy: Shares of Scorpio Bulkers (NYSE:SALT), for one, have plunged 85% in the past year, and Star Bulk Carriers (NASDAQ:SBLK) has shed 67% in the same period.
• Related tickers: FREE, EGLE, SB, DRYS, NM, SHIP, ESEA, PRGN, DCIX, GSL, NMM, DSX, DAC, KEX, ULTR, BALT, SINO.