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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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Trade Tensions Ignite Challenges for the US Dollar


The US dollar, long perceived as a symbol of strength in the global economy, is finding itself in turbulent waters. Former President Donald Trump's tariff policies, which aimed to reshape international trade dynamics, have inadvertently set off a series of economic ripples. These tariffs, targeting imports from key trading partners, sparked retaliatory measures, creating uncertainty in global markets.

The trade disputes have influenced the value of the US dollar by altering currency flows and investor confidence. While some industries saw temporary benefits from protectionist measures, others faced rising costs and disrupted supply chains, adding pressure on the domestic economy. The international response to these policies has also reshaped alliances and market relationships, further affecting the dollar's global standing.

As countries navigate this complex economic environment, the stability of the US dollar remains a central concern, highlighting the intricate link between trade policies and currency dynamics. The ongoing trade turmoil serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in global economic strategy.



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