Compound Interest Formula:
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Compound interest is the interest calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest of previous periods. It allows investments to grow exponentially over time, making it a powerful tool for long-term wealth accumulation in Canadian investments.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much an investment will grow when interest is compounded at regular intervals, taking into account the principal, interest rate, compounding frequency, and time period.
Details: Understanding compound interest is essential for Canadian investors to make informed financial decisions, plan for retirement, and maximize investment returns over time.
Tips: Enter principal amount in CAD, annual interest rate as a percentage, select compounding frequency, and time period in years. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between simple and compound interest?
A: Simple interest is calculated only on the principal amount, while compound interest is calculated on both the principal and accumulated interest.
Q2: How does compounding frequency affect returns?
A: More frequent compounding (e.g., monthly vs. annually) results in higher returns due to interest being calculated on interest more often.
Q3: Are there tax implications for compound interest in Canada?
A: Yes, investment earnings including compound interest are generally taxable in Canada, though some accounts like TFSAs offer tax-free growth.
Q4: What's a typical compounding frequency for Canadian investments?
A: Most Canadian savings accounts compound monthly, while GICs and bonds typically compound semi-annually or annually.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for Canadian RRSP and TFSA investments?
A: Yes, this calculator can estimate growth for various Canadian registered accounts, though contribution limits and tax implications should be considered separately.