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The 4% Rule Just Dropped to 3.9% — But Your RRIF Doesn't Care

  Published August 5, 2026 Morningstar's newest research says retirees can safely start withdrawing 3.9% a year. Ottawa's RRIF rules don't ask what's "safe" — they just tell you how much to take out, whether the math agrees or not. For years, the shortcut retirees leaned on was simple: take out 4% of your portfolio in your first year of retirement, bump it up with inflation every year after, and your savings should last three decades. Morningstar's 2026 State of Retirement Income report just trimmed that number to 3.9%. On its own, that's a small adjustment. On a $500,000 portfolio, it's the difference between withdrawing $19,500 or $20,000 in year one. But for Canadians, the number that actually controls the withdrawal isn't Morningstar's — it's the Canada Revenue Agency's. And once your RRSP becomes a Registered Retirement Income Fund, the CRA's required minimum can blow right past whatever a "safe" withdrawal rate i...

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Navigating Turbulent Waters: Stock Market Reacts to Inflation Surge



The stock market experienced a jittery session today as investors grappled with yet another surge in inflation. The producer price index, a crucial measure of wholesale inflation, leaped 0.3% in January, surpassing economists’ expectations of a 0.1% rise. This unexpected spike has left market participants questioning the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates.

Here’s a snapshot of today’s market movements:

  1. S&P 500: The benchmark index danced perilously close to the flat line, teetering just below its recent record closing high.
  2. Dow Jones Industrial Average: The blue-chip index dipped by 0.3%, shedding over 100 points.
  3. Nasdaq Composite: The tech-heavy index exhibited some wavering, reflecting the market’s uncertainty.

Earlier this week, the Dow plummeted 500 points following an alarming consumer inflation report. Investors have been on a rollercoaster ride, reevaluating their outlook on the US economy and the timing of potential interest rate cuts.

In the midst of this volatility, some notable earnings-related moves are noted:

  • Coinbase (COIN): Shares surged over 14% after the crypto exchange posted its first quarterly profit in two years. The recent rise in bitcoin prices, coupled with anticipation surrounding the Securities and Exchange Commission’s decision on spot bitcoin ETFs, fueled Coinbase’s rally.
  • Applied Materials (AMAT): The machinery maker’s stock also jumped, signaling optimism for a chip sector rebound.

As the market navigates these choppy waters, investors remain vigilant, keeping a close eye on inflation data and central bank policies. The tug-of-war between economic indicators and monetary policy decisions continues, leaving traders and analysts alike on edge.

Stay tuned for further developments as the market grapples with inflationary pressures and charts its course through uncertain terrain.


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