"The apparently critical-when-its-going-up-but-ignore-it-when-it-is-falling
index of the cost of dry bulk goods transportation has 'crashed' in the last few
weeks to its lowest level since January 2009 (back below 1000 according to
today's levels). Whether this is seasonal output differences or weather impacts,
it seems clear that lower steel output in China and a decline in European
imports is having its impact on global trade. The index has fallen for
19 days in a row, down almost 50%, its largest drop since the harrowing period
of Q4 2008..."

at http://www.zerohedge.com/news/baltic-dry-index-slumps-lowest-january-2009
at http://www.zerohedge.com/news/baltic-dry-index-slumps-lowest-january-2009