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Canada’s 2026 Federal Tax Brackets: The Five Income Ranges After Indexation

Canada’s federal income tax system adjusts each year to keep pace with inflation, and the 2026 tax year reflects another round of indexation. These updates ensure that taxpayers aren’t pushed into higher tax brackets simply because their incomes rise with the cost of living. For 2026, the inflation adjustment increases all bracket thresholds, and the fully implemented lowest tax rate of 14% remains in effect. The Five Federal Tax Brackets for 2026 After applying the annual indexation factor, the federal tax brackets for 2026 are: 2026 Taxable Income Range Federal Tax Rate Up to about $57,000 14% $57,000 – $114,000 20.5% $114,000 – $177,000 26% $177,000 – $252,000 29% Over $252,000 33% These ranges reflect the inflation‑adjusted thresholds used to calculate federal income tax for the year. Why Indexation Matters Indexation prevents “bracket creep,” a situation where taxpayers pay more tax simply because inflation pushes their income into a higher bracket. By adjusting ...

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Japan Sinks into Recession and Loses Its Position in the Global Economy

 

In a significant economic shift, Japan has slipped from its position as the world’s third-largest economy, falling behind Germany. The latest government data reveals that Japan’s economy contracted in the last quarter of 2023, leading to this change in ranking.

For over a decade, Japan held the second spot, but it ceded that position to China. Now, it faces another setback as Germany surpasses it. Here are the key points:

  1. Economic Contraction: Japan’s real GDP shrank by 0.1% in the final quarter of 2023, primarily due to weak spending by households and businesses. Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of economic activity, fell by 0.2% as households grappled with rising living costs and stagnant wages.

  2. Yen’s Impact: The sharp decline of the Japanese yen against the US dollar over the past two years played a crucial role. A weaker yen affects export profits when earnings are repatriated. Germany, too, faces similar challenges, despite being Europe’s largest economy.

  3. Structural Reforms Needed: Japan’s labor crunch is worse than Germany’s, and addressing the low birthrate remains a challenge. The government emphasizes structural reforms, including promoting full-time work for women and easing barriers to foreign investment.

  4. Technical Recession: With two consecutive quarters of contraction, Japan officially enters a technical recession. The country must navigate economic headwinds while welcoming a record number of foreign workers.

While the loss of its global ranking is a blow, Japan remains resilient. As it grapples with demographic shifts and economic complexities, policymakers strive to steer the nation toward sustainable growth.


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