Americans' retirement accounts reached record levels in the second quarter of 2026, helped by strong investment markets and continued contributions. Data from Fidelity Investments released on 3 September showed the average 401(k) balance reached $155,800, up 13% from the same period a year earlier and 10% from the first quarter.
The average IRA balance also climbed to $144,523, a 10% increase from a year earlier. Fidelity said the gains reflected both market performance and continued saving by workers. Mike Shamrell, Fidelity's vice president of thought leadership, said positive market conditions and consistent contributions helped drive the increase.
