Capesize rates have remained stable and slightly firmer in the east but on the whole, along with cargo levels, the market has been somewhat uninspiring, thanks to seasonality and weather delays in China.

A sluggish start for capes this week but the sentiment remains positive with rates continuing to improve.

Despite high expectations for the capesize market, there has been a slow start to the week little activity and limited news from Brazil as owners and charterers await signs of improvement.

An optimistic capesize market has filtered through to the period market that has seen revived enquiry in the past few days, with interest shown in long term contracts.

The capesize market has slowed considerably although rates remain strong, with very little reported in the last few days.

Capesize rates have achieved up to $24,000/pdpr for one-year periods with the likes of Pacific Bulk fixing at such levels, however the market is likely to be fixing around $22,500/pdpr moving into the remainder of July on average.

The Cape market remains around $21,500/pdpr for short period whilst a slower Atlantic market has seen the one-year rates drop to $19,500/pdpr.

The Capesize market continues to achieve higher returns for both one- year and short period with fixtures reported to Cargill and Louis Dreyfus

Cape rates for one-year period have fallen off since last week to $18,500/pdpr following a slowdown in Australian trading despite busy spot fixtures reported.

Capesize one-year rates continue to trade above $20,000/pdpr despite a softer spot market in the East.

The Capesize market for short period can achieve over $22,500/pdpr with fixtures of over $23,000/pdpr reported.

Despite the Posidonia exhibition, the market has remained resilient this week with Cape rates up $500 to $18,500/pdpr for short period and holding firm at $18,000/pdpr for 1 year following strong C5 and C7 business.

The Cape market has reported minimal period fixtures this week with one-year rates holding around $18,000/pdpr.

The Cape market has suffered due to the Atlantic holidays and weaker stems from Australia with short period fixing at $16,500/pdpr.

The Cape market has improved following stronger Australia/China trading with 6 months rate fixing at $19,000/pdpr and 1 year at $19,500/pdpr.