The Ups and Downs of the Baltic Dry Index
June 22, 2016 5:06 PM Subscribe
Though obfuscated by rapid increases in China's shipping fleet, it has reliably predicted economic downturns. [SL New Yorker] It reflects the rates that freight carriers charge to haul raw materials, and has emerged as an unlikely barometer of economic health.
previously! ("Why are ocean freight rates so low?" ;)
posted by kliuless at 1:30 AM on June 24, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by kliuless at 1:30 AM on June 24, 2016 [1 favorite]
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Big simplification, but that's how it's basically been.
I think to make a prediction of an economic downturn due to an overcapacity of ships is not necessarily correct. It's an oversupply but not necessarily a lack of demand, even if that may also be the case.
posted by dabug at 5:55 PM on June 22, 2016 [7 favorites]