baltic dry index off a cliff

The BDI has historically been used as an indicator of future world economic health. Basically, raw materials/dry bulk is being shipped to manufacturers and producers all over the world, and the BDI tracks it. If there is a high demand for goods used for manufacturing and construction etc, the BDI is up and future economic growth follows. If there is no demand for it, well, then indications are that global growth will fall along with it. Yesterday it was reported that the BDI went off a cliff. People want to believe the worst is over, but indications are that we are just at the beginning.

http://www.efinancialnews.com/story/2012-01-25/chart-of-day-baltic-dry-shipping-rates-fall?mod=mostemailed-IBsd

Cheers,
Al.