Dry bulk freight markets were quiet this past week and continued the trend that has been present since mid-October. The quiet trade let rates drift lower with disappointment about the slow appearance of Chinese demand weighing on market sentiment. The U.S.-China trade deal was thought to be likely to spur a boost of freight demand, but that has not appeared despite market rumors of PNW soybean and wheat bookings by the Middle Kingdom. There are rumors that some exporters are cancelling FH November freight bookings because of the slow demand.  Confusion around the U.S.-China trade deal framework and exactly what was agreed to is a major factor complicating grain trade an ocean freight. China still has not confirmed the purchase volumes...