It seems that the market conditions for shipping are currently favorable for shippers, with both spot and contract rates experiencing a softening trend. Industry analysts predict that this trend will continue for at least the next six months, with contract rates expected to decline more than spot rates. However, some analysts believe that the market may be starting to stabilize, with a slower decline in rates observed in December. It is also worth noting that market conditions can change rapidly and are influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions, demand for goods, fuel prices, and the availability of shipping capacity.