Skip to main content

Featured

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...

article

Stock Market Today: Wall Street Reacts to Mixed Earnings from Big Banks


Wall Street experienced a cautious start today as several major banks reported mixed first-quarter earnings. The market sentiment was influenced by expectations of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

Earnings Reports and Guidance

  • Mixed Bag: Big banks delivered a blend of positive and negative news. Some exceeded expectations, while others trimmed their guidance.
  • Interest Rate Assumptions: The banks’ cautious outlook was based on the assumption that the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates.

Global Markets and Tech Rebound

  • European Shares: European markets opened higher despite Asian markets retreating. A tech-fueled rebound on Wall Street the previous day had a ripple effect.
  • Oil Prices: Oil prices trended higher.
  • S&P 500 and Dow Jones: The future for the S&P 500 slipped slightly, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged higher.
  • Germany’s DAX: The DAX advanced, with inflation easing in March.
  • Asian Equities: Asian markets showed resilience, even amid a stronger U.S. dollar and China’s deflationary challenges.

Tech Stocks Take the Lead

  • S&P 500: The index rose, driven by Big Tech. Apple and Nvidia were notable gainers.
  • Amazon Sets a Record: Amazon’s stock climbed, surpassing its prior high set in 2021.
  • Market Dynamics: The gains, which had been spreading out, shifted back to a handful of Big Tech stocks.
  • Inflation Concerns: Persistent high inflation remains a key concern for traders, impacting bond markets and interest rate expectations.

Conclusion

The stock market remains dynamic, responding to earnings reports, inflation data, and global trends. Investors are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s moves. As the year unfolds, market dynamics will continue to evolve, shaping investment strategies.


Comments