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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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Market Jitters: U.S. Stock Futures Slide Amid Trump’s Criticism of Fed Chair Powell

U.S. stock futures took a hit early Monday as investors reacted to President Donald Trump’s escalating criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The remarks, which included renewed calls for Powell’s removal, have raised concerns about the central bank’s independence and its ability to navigate monetary policy effectively.

Trump’s latest comments follow reports that his administration is exploring whether firing Powell is an option. The uncertainty surrounding the Fed’s leadership has added to market volatility, with Dow E-minis dropping 344 points (0.87%), S&P 500 E-minis falling 53.75 points (1.01%), and Nasdaq 100 E-minis declining 209.25 points (1.14%).

Investors are already grappling with broader economic concerns, including ongoing trade tensions and the potential for further interest rate cuts. The dollar weakened against major currencies, while safe-haven assets like gold saw gains. Meanwhile, major tech and growth stocks, including Tesla and Nvidia, also faced premarket declines.

With uncertainty looming over both trade policy and monetary decisions, market participants will be closely watching upcoming economic data and corporate earnings reports for further direction.

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