In global container markets, the song remains the same. Since the publication of MSI’s third-quarter report, both freight and time-charter rates have essentially moved sideways. MSI’s T/C Rate Index has registered a 4% fall since September, but this has been driven only by smaller containership benchmarks and in the most recent data market movements have been sidewards or in some cases upwards again.

In freight markets, the end of the ‘traditional’ peak season has also brought about few changes in spot rates.