According to Zhitong Finance APP, shipping stocks continue to decline. As of the time of writing, COSCO Ship Engy (01138) fell 6.59% to HKD 7.66; OOIL (00316) fell 4.39% to HKD 94.65; COSCO Shipping Holdings (01919) fell 3.82% to HKD 9.73; Pacific Basin (02343) fell 2.44% to HKD 2.

On the news side, last week's freight index (Europe route) futures prices further declined, with the main contract falling by 26.06% for the week, and other contracts falling between 19-23%. Ruida Futures pointed out that the decline in spot index was significantly broad, with reduced futures price support. In addition to the month-long 'price reduction trend' that has continued, many shipping companies have frequently lowered their freight rates. Maersk has lowered its freight rates multiple times since July, and other alliance carriers have followed suit, leading to a continuous decline in contract prices.

Shenwan Hongyuan Futures pointed out that the opening rate of Maersk from Week 38 to Rotterdam was quoted at $4,700 per TEU, below the integer level of $5,000, and the speed of lowering prices has increased. The latest Mediterranean rates for Week 37 have dropped to $5,040 per TEU, Evergreen rates have dropped to $5,020 per TEU, OOCL rates have dropped to $5,050 per TEU, Hapag-Lloyd rates have dropped to $4,800 per TEU. The latest Maersk rate of $4,700 per TEU may further intensify the price war in the off-season, and we should pay attention to the subsequent price adjustments by other shipping companies.