The three key shipping signals — BDI, VLCC rates and LNG rates — each tell a different story. Here is how to read them together.
BDI (Baltic Dry Index) — Dry bulk demand. BUY below 900, SELL above 3,000. Currently 2,028 — neutral. Tracks iron ore, coal, grain flows, primarily driven by China. VLCC rates — Crude tanker demand. BUY below $15k/day, SELL above $75k/day. Currently $68k — near SELL. Driven by oil trade volumes and geopolitics. LNG rates — Gas carrier demand. BUY below $30k/day, SELL above $120k/day. Currently $80k — elevated, Hormuz impact.