Oil prices have started the week higher as tensions in the Middle East flare again.

At the time of writing, US crude oil is up 1.68% to US$84.84 a barrel, while Brent crude is 1.69% higher at US$89.79 a barrel.

The latest gains add to what has already been a strong year for oil, with both benchmarks up around 48% in 2026.

The move comes after US forces carried out their first strike on Iranian targets in weeks, putting the Strait of Hormuz back in focus.

Here’s what investors need to know.

What is pushing oil prices higher?

Another flare-up between the United States and Iran is putting the oil market back on edge.

US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, marking the first known American strikes on Iran since late July.

A US official said Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces had been preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC said the attack killed and wounded several soldiers and civilians, while also warning that Tehran would respond.

US President Donald Trump said last week that mines had been cleared or removed from international waters in the strait. He also warned that any ships or boats laying new mines would be destroyed.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the biggest issues hanging over the oil market.

Before the current conflict, around 1/5th of global oil consumption passed through the waterway.

The war involving the US and Iran has now passed the 6-month mark, with shipping through the strait disrupted during that period.

Oil prices had actually fallen late last week as markets weighed reports of possible progress around Hormuz.

Brent fell 0.43% on Friday and WTI slipped 0.16%, leaving the benchmarks down more than 5% and 4% respectively for the week.

Oil has already had a huge year

Oil prices were already sitting on strong gains before Monday’s jump.

According to Trading Economics, US crude is up 47% so far this year and 31% over the past 12 months.

Brent crude has followed a similar path, rising 47% year to date and 31% over the past year.

There is plenty happening in the background as well, with markets also watching the Trump administration’s latest sanctions against Iran.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week announced “Operation Economic Outcast”, which targets Iranian entities, oil trading networks, vessels and financial links.

Reuters reported that nearly 60 entities, individuals and vessels were included in the latest round of sanctions.

What should investors watch?

The Strait of Hormuz is the big one to keep an eye on from here.

Any response from Iran, changes to shipping through the strait or further US sanctions could quickly put the oil market back in focus.

Interest rates are another factor investors will be watching. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh recently said rates may need to rise if inflation does not move back toward the Fed’s 2% target.

The post Oil prices are jumping nearly 2%. What’s going on? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) share price is falling almost 4% on Monday after the company reported a net loss of $307 million for FY26 alongside a stabilisation in property revenues and signs of cash flow improvement.

What did The Star Entertainment Group report?

• Normalised revenue was $1,101 million, down 2% from FY25
• Normalised EBITDA loss before significant items improved to $16.1 million (FY25: $76.2 million loss)
• Statutory net loss after tax was $307.3 million
• Corporate costs were reduced by $75 million in FY26, with ongoing savings targeted
• Cash and cash equivalents at year-end were $267 million
• No dividend was declared for FY26

What else do investors need to know?

The Star completed a $300 million equity investment from Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings, and finished the first stage of the JVP Transaction which removed the company’s $700 million guarantee on DBC debt. New leadership joined the Board and executive team in December 2025, driving operational changes and cost reductions.

Revenues at operating properties stabilised in the last quarter after nearly two years of declines. Positive signs continued into July 2026, with combined revenue up 6% year-on-year as improved customer engagement and increased marketing spend began to pay off.

What did The Star Entertainment Group management say?

The company’s CEO and Managing Director, Bruce Mathieson Jnr, commented:

We have moved to a more accountable, property-led operating model and a renewed focus on performance, customers, and responsible operations… The Group has successfully refinanced its corporate debt and continued the work of strengthening its balance sheet with a strong liquidity position. These achievements have provided greater stability and a stronger foundation for the future. Returning to suitability remains critical to our future, and the work required to achieve that objective has and is being increasingly embedded in how we operate every day.

What’s next for The Star Entertainment Group?

Looking ahead, The Star is focused on regaining suitability for its casino licences in New South Wales and Queensland—a key factor for future growth and access to capital. The company expects to keep improving earnings in FY27, with ongoing cost reductions, operational changes, and a new direct attribution approach for corporate costs.

The second stage of The Star’s JVP Transaction is planned for completion by March 2027. Management remains cautious given material uncertainties around regulatory outcomes, profitability, and the restoration of casino licences, but the business expects to build cash reserves and continue its recovery.

The Star Entertainment Group share price snapshot

Compared to the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO), The Star Entertainment Group share price has outperformed over the past year with a gain of around 13%.

View Original Announcement

The post The Star Entertainment share price falls on FY26 earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Liontown, Northern Star and Telstra shares are turning heads on Monday
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) has long been a popular choice among Australian income investors.

With a large banking franchise, fully franked dividends, and a solid earnings outlook, I think there is still plenty to like for investors seeking passive income.

Here is why.

The dividend looks attractive

NAB shares are currently trading around $38.29.

According to CommSec, consensus forecasts point to fully franked dividends per share of $1.70 in FY26 and $1.72 in FY27.

At today’s share price, that represents a forward dividend yield of around 4.4% in FY26, rising slightly to 4.5% in FY27 before franking credits.

I think that is a solid level of income from one of Australia’s largest banks.

The expected growth in the dividend is modest, but I would rather see a payment that looks well supported than rely on an unusually high yield that could prove difficult to maintain.

Earnings should provide support

The outlook for profits gives me further confidence.

Consensus estimates are for NAB to generate earnings per share of $2.38 in FY26 and $2.54 in FY27.

That would represent earnings growth of around 7% in FY27 while the dividend is forecast to rise only slightly.

If those forecasts prove accurate, NAB would be retaining a greater proportion of its earnings rather than needing all of the growth to fund higher distributions.

I think that leaves the bank in a sensible position to continue rewarding shareholders while maintaining capital for the business.

Of course, bank earnings can be affected by bad debts, competition, interest rates, and economic conditions. Dividends are never guaranteed.

But the current forecasts give me confidence that NAB’s income outlook remains healthy.

I like the business behind the dividend

For me, a passive income investment still needs a business I would be comfortable owning.

One of NAB’s biggest strengths is its position in Australian business banking.

Companies need loans, transaction accounts, deposits, payments, and other financial services as they operate and expand. These relationships can become increasingly valuable as successful customers grow.

NAB also has a substantial personal banking franchise, giving it exposure to millions of households alongside its position with Australian businesses.

I think that combination gives the bank several sources of earnings to support future shareholder returns.

Foolish takeaway

I believe NAB is a good passive income stock at around $38.29.

A forecast yield of roughly 4.5%, full franking, and expected earnings growth make the income outlook attractive to me.

There will always be risks with owning a bank, but I think NAB has a strong enough underlying business to make it a worthwhile option for investors hoping to generate regular income from ASX shares.

The post Is NAB a good passive income stock? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.