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Reaching Your CPP Contribution Maximum: What Workers Need to Know

  Understanding when you’ve hit the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) maximum contribution for the year can save you confusion—and help you make sense of your paycheques as the year goes on. The CPP is designed with an annual limit, meaning once you’ve contributed the maximum required amount, no further CPP deductions should come off your income for the rest of that calendar year. How CPP Contributions Work CPP contributions are based on: Your employment income The year’s maximum pensionable earnings (YMPE) The CPP contribution rate Each year, the federal government sets: A maximum amount of income on which CPP contributions apply (the YMPE) The maximum total contribution you and your employer must make Once your income reaches that threshold, your contributions stop automatically. How to Know You’ve Reached the Maximum Here are the simplest ways to tell: Check your pay stub Your pay stub shows year‑to‑date CPP contributions. Compare this number to the annual maximum ...
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TSX Down Almost 100 Points, U.S. Markets Mixed Amid Ongoing Interest Rate Angst

 

Weakness in several sectors, including financials and utilities, led Canada’s main stock index down almost 100 points on Tuesday. Simultaneously, U.S. markets experienced a mixed day of trading. Here’s a closer look at the market dynamics:

Canadian Market Overview

  • The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 97.33 points at 21,642.87.
  • Industrials, utilities, and base metals were among the sectors that contributed to the decline.
  • Investors grappled with ongoing uncertainty surrounding interest rates, which impacted market sentiment.

U.S. Market Insights

  • U.S. equity markets showed resilience by bouncing back from Monday’s fall.
  • The Dow Jones industrial average gained 63.86 points, closing at 37,798.97.
  • The S&P 500 index dipped 10.41 points, settling at 5,051.41.
  • The Nasdaq composite declined 19.77 points, ending at 15,865.25.

Interest Rate Tensions

  • Recent strong economic data reports have made it clear that the U.S. Federal Reserve won’t cut interest rates as soon as many investors had hoped.
  • Fed Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized that the central bank needs more confidence that inflation is sustainably heading toward its target before considering rate cuts.
  • Powell’s comments sent “tremors” through the market, leading to an immediate climb in Treasury yields.

Canadian Perspective

  • In Canada, the latest inflation data supports the case for the central bank to start cutting rates.
  • March’s inflation ticked higher to 2.9%, driven by rising gas prices, but core inflation continued to cool.
  • Senior economist Jules Boudreau believes it’s only a matter of time before the Bank of Canada implements rate cuts.

Currency and Commodities

  • The Canadian dollar traded at 72.35 cents US, slightly weaker than the previous day.
  • Crude oil prices remained steady, with the May contract at US$85.36 per barrel.
  • Natural gas prices saw a modest increase, with the May contract at US$1.73 per mmBTU.

In summary, the markets remain on edge due to interest rate uncertainties. Investors are closely monitoring economic indicators and central bank decisions as they navigate this volatile landscape. Stay tuned for further developments.


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