Container rates got a boost after US container ports saw better-than-expected volumes in December thanks to inventory restocking after the holidays.

But Stifel analyst Ben Nolan cautions a full recovery is not yet in the offing.

As a result of the weakness, he cut earnings estimates by some 20% for Costamare this year and next.

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach saw inbound loaded container volumes for December rise 8% from year-ago levels to 665,816 teu.