Refinitiv shipping data showed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to three commercial vessels on Wednesday, versus a 10-day average of about 17.

Baltic Dry Index fell 33 points (1%) to 3,327 as freight for larger vessels weakened. Capesize index (BCI) dropped 75 points (-1.3%) to 5,612; Capesize average daily earnings fell $675 to $47,397. Panamax index (BPI) fell 39 points (-1.6%) to 2,325; Panamax daily earnings declined $349 to $20,927. Supramax index (BSI) rose 12 points (0.7%) to 1,748. Handysize index (BHSI) was unchanged at 961.

Japan's finance minister Katayama said the joint Japan-U.S. intervention demonstrated resolve to counter excessive volatility.