The Global Economic Barometer: Decoding the Baltic Dry Index (BDI)

In the fast-paced markets of February 2026, few indicators are as vital to understanding global trade health as the Baltic Dry Index (BDI). Often called the "canary in the coal mine" for the global economy, the BDI tracks the cost of moving raw materials—like iron ore, coal, and grain—across the world's oceans.