Sierra's Frank Barbera: Look At The Baltic Dry Index

Sierra Investment Management's Frank Barbera, Co-Portfolio Manager, recently published his latest chart commentary. The piece looks at the recent collapse of the Baltic Dry Index (BDI), which has declined an incredible 65% in just under 13 weeks. Now, at 511, the BDI resides at a new all-time low.  Why does this matter?

The Baltic Dry Index measures the rates for transporting critical raw materials by sea; essentially the “day rates” for time-charter on what are known as Dry Bulk Carriers.  Suppliers use these vessels to transport commodities such as coal, iron ore and grains to purchasers around the globe. In the past, the volatile shipping industry has often proven to be a good leading indicator for the health of...