Fidelity Reports Double-Digit Growth in 401(k) Balances

Average annual account balances see strong increase in Q4 2025, according to new analysis.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Fidelity Investments has released its Q4 2025 Retirement Analysis, revealing that average annual 401(k) account balances saw a double-digit increase compared to the previous year. The analysis provides insights into the financial health and retirement preparedness of American workers.

Why it matters

The growth in 401(k) balances indicates that Americans are saving more for retirement, which is crucial given the ongoing challenges of rising costs of living and economic uncertainty. This data provides a snapshot of the retirement readiness of the workforce and can inform policy decisions and financial planning strategies.

The details

Fidelity's analysis found that the average annual 401(k) account balance increased by 12% in Q4 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was driven by a combination of increased contributions from employees and strong investment returns. The analysis also revealed that the average savings rate for 401(k) participants remained steady at 8.9% of their annual salary.

  • Fidelity's Q4 2025 Retirement Analysis was released on March 4, 2026.

The players

Fidelity Investments

A leading financial services firm that provides investment management, retirement planning, and other financial products and services.

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What’s next

Fidelity plans to release its full Q4 2025 Retirement Analysis report in the coming weeks, which will provide additional insights and data on the state of retirement savings in the United States.

The takeaway

The double-digit increase in average 401(k) account balances suggests that Americans are becoming more proactive in saving for their retirement, which is crucial given the ongoing economic challenges and the need for individuals to take greater responsibility for their long-term financial security.