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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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Retail Sales Decline, Cisco Announces Layoffs, and Fast Food Chains Report Earnings: A Snapshot of Economic Trends

 

In the ever-evolving landscape of business and finance, several key events have recently unfolded. Below are three significant developments:

1. Retail Sales Fall

The retail sector faced headwinds as Sabre Corporation, a technology services provider to the travel industry, reported a loss of $96.5 million in its fourth quarter. Despite exceeding Wall Street expectations in terms of adjusted losses, the company’s revenue of $687.1 million fell short of forecasts. As consumer behavior continues to shift, retailers must adapt to changing market dynamics.

2. Cisco’s Workforce Restructuring

Cisco, a network giant, is embarking on a strategic overhaul. The company plans to lay off thousands of employees as it redirects its focus toward high-growth areas. This move underscores the need for agility and adaptability in the tech industry, where innovation and efficiency drive success.

3. Fast Food Earnings

In the fast-food arena, Restaurant Brands International (RBI) delivered better-than-expected results. Fueled by robust sales at Tim Hortons, RBI reported fourth-quarter net income of $508 million, up significantly from the previous year. Adjusted earnings per share stood at 75 cents, beating analysts’ estimates. The company’s net sales rose by 8%, reaching $1.82 billion. As the fast-food industry continues to thrive, investors closely monitor the performance of major chains.

In summary, these developments offer insights into the broader economic landscape. Retailers, tech companies, and fast-food chains must navigate challenges and seize opportunities to remain competitive in an ever-changing world.

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