The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk freight index rose 1.2% to 3,473 points on Thursday, its highest level since September 11. The capesize index increased 1.3% to 5,939 points; these vessels typically carry 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal. The panamax index advanced 2.1% to 2,382 points, covering ships that usually transport 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain. The supramax index gained 0.2% to 1,782 points.