The Baltic Dry Index rose 0.4% to 2,725 on Thursday, building on a 1.7% gain in the previous session. The Capesize index, which tracks vessels typically carrying 150,000-ton cargoes such as iron ore and coal, climbed 2% to 4,198, its highest level since July 16. In contrast, the Panamax index, reflecting ships that usually transport 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, declined 2.6% to a one-month low of 2,064. Among smaller vessels, the Supramax index slipped 0.8% to 1,702, its weakest level since July 9.