Quick Read

• Still-working employees past 73 can defer 401(k) RMDs until retirement, but rollover IRAs and old employer plans must pay out starting at 73.

• A $680,000 rollover IRA triggers roughly $25,660 in taxable withdrawals in 2026, while a current employer’s $410,000 401(k) keeps compounding untouched.

• Owning more than 5% of the sponsoring business kills the exception entirely, and family attribution rules count shares held by a spouse or child.

• Two retirees, same $1 million, same 4% rule, buy one finished with $1.4 million, the other hit $0 in 12 years. Our free reader guide explains the flaw that separated them, and the income-first method built to avoid it.

You turned 73 in 2026, you’re still on payroll, and your HR benefits portal shows a healthy 401(k) balance. Good news: the IRS says you can leave that account alone. The traditional IRA you built by rolling over a 401(k) from the job you left in 2019? Different story. That one has to start paying out.

The rule doing the work here is the still-working exception to required minimum distributions. It lives in the tax code at Section 401(a)(9)(C) and it applies only to the qualified plan of the employer you currently work for. Not the IRA down the hall. Not the 401(k) at the last place. Just the one tied to the W-2 you’re still collecting.

How the Exception Actually Works

Normally, the year you hit age 73, the IRS forces you to start pulling money out of tax-deferred accounts on a schedule set by the Uniform Lifetime Table. Miss a distribution and the penalty is 25% of the amount you should have taken, reducible to 10% if you correct it promptly.

The still-working exception carves out one narrow reprieve. If you’re employed by the company sponsoring the plan on December 31 of the distribution year, and the plan document allows it (most do, but confirm), you can defer RMDs from that specific 401(k) until April 1 of the year after you actually retire.

The 4% Rule is Broken, Built On A World That No Longer Exists

Every retiree knows about the 4% rule, but it frames retirement as a slow liquidation and still causes retirees with seven-figure accounts to agonize over a dinner out.

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There’s a different way to run the math that makes more sense today. Build an income floor — dividends, interest, and Social Security that cover your essential bills every month — and you never have to sell shares into a down market just to pay them.

Our free reader guide, The 4% Rule Is Broken, walks through it in about 15 minutes. Access the report here.

Story Continues

On September 9, 2026, Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) agreed to acquire privately held Alif Semiconductor for $1.35 billion in cash, with up to $200 million in additional contingent payments. It adds Alif’s low-power, AI-native microcontrollers and fusion processors to ADI’s portfolio of sensing, signal-processing and power-management technology. ADI CEO Vincent Roche described the deal as advancing “Physical Intelligence,” letting systems sense, reason and act locally in real time. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2026 pending U.S. antitrust review.

Bull Case

Alif gives Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) a direct foothold in the fast-growing edge-AI market. Alif’s AI-native microcontrollers and fusion processors support low-latency inference, sensor fusion, and on-device AI. It allows systems to process information locally rather than relying entirely on the cloud. The acquisition also expands ADI’s addressable market across industrial, data-center infrastructure, defense, energy, robotics, digital health and wearable applications.

ADI is acquiring technology that already has commercial traction. Alif’s silicon already ships in production and has design wins with leading consumer and industrial customers. It gives ADI an established platform rather than an early-stage technology project. ADI can combine Alif’s digital processing capabilities with its own sensing, signal-processing, power, connectivity and software technologies to offer more complete system solutions.

The acquisition fits ADI’s push into AI while the core business makes strong cash flow. ADI completed its $1.5 billion Empower Semiconductor acquisition in July to strengthen power delivery for AI computing, while third-quarter revenue reached a record $4.02 billion, up 40% year over year, and trailing 12-month free cash flow reached $4.94 billion. The Alif deal therefore adds edge intelligence to an AI strategy while ADI retains substantial financial capacity to fund acquisitions and shareholder returns.

Bear Case

Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) must make enough returns to justify the $1.35 billion upfront price. The firm will pay $1.35 billion in cash at closing and could pay another $200 million in contingent consideration. It takes the potential consideration to $1.55 billion. ADI therefore needs Alif’s technology, customer wins, and expanded addressable market to turn into real revenue and earnings growth rather than simply adding another promising technology platform to its portfolio.

Two major acquisitions in the same year increase integration and execution risk. ADI completed its Empower acquisition in July and now plans to close the Alif transaction before the end of 2026. Managing two technology integrations while preserving customer relationships. It retains key employees and delivering the expected strategic benefits could stretch management resources and delay the financial payoff from either transaction.

Edge AI remains a competitive market where ADI must keep investing to defend its position. Alif gives ADI a differentiated combination of AI processing and analog technologies. But other semiconductor companies are developing processors for on-device inference and intelligent edge applications. Hence, ADI cannot assume the acquisition alone will secure durable competitive advantages, particularly as AI architectures and customer requirements continue to evolve. (Reuters)

Hedge Fund Sentiment

Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI)’ hedge fund count fell to 102 in the second quarter from 109 in the first, with position value rising modestly to $6.61 billion from $6.47 billion, according to Insider Monkey’s database. Texas Instruments, a direct analog and embedded-processing rival, saw a much sharper increase in conviction, with holders jumping to 111 from 71 and position value nearly doubling to $6.85 billion from $3.91 billion.

Conclusion

Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI)’s Alif acquisition has a strategy to capture AI spending beyond traditional data-center computing. Alif brings production-ready edge-AI technology and customer design wins, while ADI can combine those capabilities with its established strengths in sensing, power management and signal processing. Nonetheless, the $1.35 billion upfront price, potential $200 million contingent payment, and second major acquisition of the year raise the execution bar. Investors should focus less on the headline AI opportunity and more on whether ADI can convert Alif’s technology and customer traction into measurable revenue, margin, and free-cash-flow gains without sacrificing the strong financial performance of its core business.

While we acknowledge the potential of ADI as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: Cook Hands Ternus Apple (AAPL) that Still has to Prove itself on AI and Meta’s $18 Billion Settlement Could Be the Green Light for a New AI Push.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.

From “vibe coding” to “trash panda,” the internet has officially talked its way into the dictionary.

Merriam-Webster has added 1,400 new words and definitions to its online catalog, giving a digital-age “glow-up” to the language and official recognition to an internet-fueled mix that also includes “looksmaxxing,” “parasocial” and “Rickroll.”

The publisher said the new entries reflect terms and meanings that have demonstrated widespread use over time, offering what it called “a window into the world today.”

CONTROVERSIAL STREAMER CLAVICULAR EXPLAINS VIRAL ‘LOOKSMAXXING’ TREND AS GEN Z ADOPTS EXTREME REGIMEN

Words and definitions appear on a printed dictionary page in a file image. Merriam-Webster said new entries must demonstrate widespread use over time. (Karen Bleier/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Merriam-Webster pointed to social media culture as a driving force behind a number of the additions. “Looksmaxxing,” a term tied to efforts to improve one’s physical appearance, made the cut alongside “parasocial,” which commonly describes a one-sided connection someone feels toward a public figure or media personality.

Merriam-Webster also welcomed “meme coin,” “promposal” and “Rickroll,” the internet prank that redirects an unsuspecting user to Rick Astley’s 1987 music video for “Never Gonna Give You Up.”

NEW YORK MAKES HISTORY WITH FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND LAW REGULATING AI-POWERED COMMERCIALS

Several AI applications can be seen on a smartphone screen, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot, Meta AI, Grok and DeepSeek.  (Philip Dulian/dpa/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Artificial intelligence left a major imprint on the update, with “vibe coding,” “AGI” and a new noun form of “compute” joining the dictionary.

The publisher also added “uncanny valley,” the unsettling feeling sparked by something artificial that appears nearly human, but not quite.

The additions stretch well beyond screens and Silicon Valley.

Food-related newcomers include “superfood,” “cake pop,” “shishito,” “bao” and “chili crisp.” The relationship term “cuffing season” also earned a spot, defined as a time when single people seek short-term romantic partners for the colder months.

VIRAL RACCOON JIMOTHY GETS HIS OWN MLB THEME NIGHT AS SEATTLE MARINERS EMBRACE THE TREND

The Merriam-Webster logo is displayed on a smartphone. The publisher added 1,400 new words and definitions to its online dictionary. (Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Other entries capture the mood of modern life, including “Sunday scaries,” “crashout,” “copium,” “California sober” and “yacht rock.” “Shapewear” and “neckbeard” were also added, while “letterboxing” received a new digital meaning.

The list even includes the “Mandela Effect,” a term for a shared false memory, and “trash panda,” a playful name for a raccoon.

The one-of-one gold Jimothy rookie card pulled by 13-year-old Mariners fan Abby sold for $21,100 after attracting 100 bids on eBay. (oscar_j104 via eBay / Fox News)

Merriam-Webster said words are not added simply because they suddenly go viral. Its editors look for sustained, widespread use before an entry is granted a place in the dictionary.

The sweeping update comes just months before Merriam-Webster is expected to announce its 2026 Word of the Year.

THE AI YOU USE EVERY DAY IS BIASED — AND IT’S QUIETLY SHAPING YOUR WORLDVIEW, NEW REPORT SAYS

In 2025, the publisher selected “slop,” defining it as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.”

“The flood of slop in 2025 included absurd videos, off-kilter advertising images, cheesy propaganda, fake news that looks pretty real, junky AI-written books, ‘workslop’ reports that waste coworkers’ time … and lots of talking cats,” Merriam-Webster said at the time. “People found it annoying, and people ate it up.”

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Other terms highlighted by the publisher in 2025 included “gerrymander,” “touch grass,” “performative,” “tariff,” “six seven” and “conclave.”

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You should aim to take in about 1,500-2,500ml of fluid a day, whatever the weather, says McManamon.

This can obviously come from bottled water, but also from what she describes as fluid rich tinned foods if supplies are short.

For those worried about whether tinned food is as nutritious as fresh food, Dr Gill says it absolutely can be used as part of a healthy diet.

“There is little difference nutritionally between canned and fresh food in terms of macronutrients, like carbohydrates, protein, fats, and fibre, as well as fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamin A and E, and minerals,” she says.

It may not be as good for other vitamins, such as B and C, because the canning process has been found to decrease vitamin levels, but Gill offers assurances that these foods can still be a “useful source” of vitamins.

Fitch Ratings has revised Thailand’s sovereign outlook to Stable from Negative, while affirming the country’s BBB+ long-term foreign- and local-currency ratings. The move, announced on September 19, means Thailand now has a Stable outlook from all three major international rating agencies, following Moody’s revision in April and S&P Global’s existing Stable assessment.

Key points

• Fitch changed Thailand’s outlook to Stable from Negative, affirming the BBB+ sovereign rating.
• Public debt is forecast to stabilise below 63% of GDP by FY2028.
• Fitch expects 2.3% GDP growth in 2026 and a return to a 1.5% current-account surplus by 2027.

Fitch’s decision reflects greater confidence that Thailand’s public debt will stabilise over the medium term and that political conditions have become more predictable following this year’s election. The agency also highlighted Thailand’s strong external financial position and the government’s ability to implement a medium-term fiscal framework under the current administration.

The fiscal outlook has improved modestly. Fitch now expects public debt to stabilise at below 63% of GDP by fiscal 2028, compared with its previous projection of around 65%, while the current-account surplus is forecast to return to 1.5% of GDP by 2027. The agency expects Thailand’s economy to expand 2.3% in 2026, supported by domestic consumption and investment linked to artificial intelligence.

The upgrade does not remove Thailand’s structural weaknesses. Growth remains relatively modest, household debt remains high and the country continues to face productivity and demographic constraints. But the improved outlook should reduce one source of uncertainty for investors as Bangkok attempts to attract capital into data centres, AI, advanced manufacturing and clean-energy infrastructure.

The development is particularly relevant for the cost of government and corporate financing. Thailand’s government debt is predominantly denominated in baht and held domestically, limiting exposure to currency shocks, while a stable sovereign outlook can help support investor confidence in Thai bonds and other local assets.

Why it matters: The Stable outlook gives Thailand a stronger macro-financial foundation as it competes for investment. It is not a growth upgrade, but it reduces perceived sovereign risk and strengthens the government’s case that fiscal discipline and political stability can coexist with targeted investment support.

Thailand is doubling the capacity of its public solar-power programme to 10GW from 5GW, in the latest move to reduce the economy’s exposure to imported fossil fuels and volatile LNG prices. The expanded scheme is expected to cover around 1 million households, with Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas approving the expansion as the government accelerates its energy-transition agenda.

Under the programme, households will be able to consume the electricity they generate and sell surplus power back to the grid at THB2.20 per kilowatt-hour. Individual systems are capped at around 5kW per electricity meter, while the programme has also been expanded to include ground-mounted and floating solar installations. The government has not yet provided a detailed implementation timetable for the full 10GW programme, although an initial rooftop-solar rollout is expected to begin in mid-October.

The move comes against a difficult energy backdrop. Thailand relies heavily on natural gas for electricity generation, while domestic gas production is declining and imported LNG has become increasingly important. PTTEP has warned that every US$3/MMBtu increase in LNG prices could raise Thai electricity prices by around 5%, with LNG currently accounting for roughly 30% of power generation and more than a quarter of gas used for electricity coming from imports.

The solar expansion is therefore more than a climate policy. It is increasingly an industrial-competitiveness measure as Thailand attempts to attract data centres, electronics manufacturers and other electricity-intensive investments. The government’s draft Power Development Plan 2026 targets a 50% clean-energy share within 10 years, alongside expanded direct power-purchase agreements, smart grids and energy storage.

For businesses, the key question will be whether the policy can translate into predictable and competitively priced electricity rather than simply increasing installed renewable capacity. Faster deployment of distributed solar, combined with grid upgrades and storage, could reduce peak demand on the national system and provide companies with a greater ability to hedge against future fossil-fuel price shocks.

Key points

• Public solar programme doubled from 5GW to 10GW, with coverage aimed at around 1 million households.
• Household surplus electricity will be bought at THB2.20/kWh, with individual systems capped at about 5kW.
• Thailand’s draft PDP 2026 targets 50% clean energy within 10 years, as LNG exposure and electricity demand rise.

Why it matters: Energy security is becoming a core determinant of Thailand’s economic competitiveness. A successful 10GW distributed-solar programme could lower exposure to LNG-price volatility while strengthening Thailand’s proposition for energy-intensive foreign investment.