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Oil jumps above US$105 after Riyadh blasts, futures slip and yields near 24-year highs. TSX, Wall Street and global markets for Oct 8.

  Canadian Money Brief | Thursday, October 8, 2026 | Morning edition Oil is jumping, futures are sliding and bond yields are sitting near 24-year highs. Explosions in Riyadh, including a blast at the city's airport, sent crude sharply higher early Thursday and pushed U.S. stock futures lower. That follows a rough Wednesday for Toronto, where banks and miners dragged the TSX down. Here is where every major market stands before the open. Key takeaways Brent crude jumped about 5% to above US$105 a barrel; WTI rose about 5% to roughly US$92.75. S&P 500 futures are down about 0.6% and Dow futures about 1% after Wall Street's four-day winning streak ended Wednesday. The TSX fell about 1.7% Wednesday to near 35,040, led lower by the big banks and gold miners. The U.S. 10-year yield touched 5.36% on Wednesday, its highest since April 2002, and is hovering near 5.3% again. Markets are pricing in at least one Bank of Canada rate hike by year-end. Canada: TSX stumbles as banks and m...

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Demystifying Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs): Separating Facts from Fiction

 

A Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is a popular choice among Canadian retirees for managing their retirement savings. However, there are several misconceptions about RRIFs that can lead to confusion. Let’s explore some key facts and debunk common myths.

Fact: RRIFs Provide a Steady Income Stream

RRIFs are designed to convert your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) into a steady income stream during retirement. By the end of the year you turn 71, you must convert your RRSP into an RRIF or another retirement income option.

Fiction: You Can Continue Contributing to an RRIF

Once you convert your RRSP to an RRIF, you cannot make additional contributions. However, your investments within the RRIF can continue to grow tax-deferred until they are withdrawn.

Fact: Minimum Withdrawals Are Mandatory

The Canadian government requires you to withdraw a minimum amount from your RRIF each year, starting the year after you establish the RRIF. The minimum withdrawal amount increases with age.

Fiction: RRIF Withdrawals Are Tax-Free

While the investments within an RRIF grow tax-deferred, the withdrawals are considered taxable income. This means you will pay taxes on the amounts you withdraw, similar to how you would with an RRSP.

Fact: Flexibility in Withdrawals

RRIFs offer flexibility in how you withdraw your funds. You can choose to receive payments monthly, quarterly, or annually, and you can adjust the amount you withdraw, provided it meets the minimum requirement.

Fiction: You Can Only Have One RRIF

You can have multiple RRIFs if you choose. This can provide additional flexibility in managing your retirement income and investment strategies.

Understanding the facts about RRIFs can help you make informed decisions about your retirement planning. By separating fact from fiction, you can better navigate your financial future and ensure a steady income stream during your retirement years.


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