Baltic Dry Index Roars Back: 102.5% Gain in 39 Days

The Baltic Dry Index closed today at 4381, advancing for the 14th straight day, and registering positive gains in 31 out the last 35 days. From the late-September low of 2163, the benchmark index for freight costs to ship dry bulk commodities such as iron ore, coal and grains has more than doubled in just 39 days, and has reached the highest level since September 24, 2008, almost 14 months ago. The global economic recovery is underway and gaining momentum. (chart)