Daily Stock Market Report (Thur 9th April 2026) - VANL, SOM, RGG, MEGP, FSG, GHH, KETL, CLBS, DEVO

Good morning!
After yesterday's strong early gains, markets stabilised. The FTSE is set to open up 50 points today, around 10,630.
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed for now: Bloomberg reports that only three ships were seen leaving the region yesterday, compared to a peacetime average of 135. The three ships that left were all linked with Iran.
It's also rumoured that Iran has been charging c. $2m for safe passage through the Strait. Hundreds of trapped ships in the region are waiting for clarity on when and how they can leave.
Meanwhile, the ceasefire itself is fragile. Israel has just heavily bombed Hezbollah in Lebanon, which Iran says is a violation of the agreement.
Overnight moves:
Brent crude is up $2 at $95Gasoil is up $50 at $1,150
These high fuel prices, along with their overnight moves, demonstrate that we are still some distance from a return to normal.

All done for today, cheers! Spreadsheet accompanying this report: link.

Companies Reporting
Name (Mkt Cap)RNSSummaryOur view (Author)British American Tobacco (LON:BATS) (£96.1bn | SR89)Directorate changeDragos Constantinescu will be CFO from September 2026. Currently CEO of Asahi Europe amp; International. Previously spent 16 years at BAT.Great Portland Estates (LON:GPE) (£1.25bn | SR27)