According to Fidelity Investments®’ latest Q2 2026 retirement analysis retirement savers remained focused on their long-term goals during the second quarter despite market fluctuations earlier this year and concerns about the economy1. As a result, average 401(k), 403(b), and IRA balances reached record highs, due in part to a strong stock market, with 401(k) balances growing 10.5% since last quarter – the strongest quarterly growth since Q4 2020 (10.8%). Total average savings rates also remained at record levels for the second consecutive quarter, holding at 14.4% for 401(k) savers and 12% for 403(b) savers and staying close to Fidelity’s recommended 15% annual savings benchmark.

Strong savings habits continued to support retirement progress, with more than eight in 10 (81%) 401(k) participants saving enough to receive their employer’s full matching contribution. IRA savers also demonstrated a commitment to long-term goals, increasing contributions by 36% compared with a year earlier.

“The combination of record account balances, strong savings behaviors and effective plan design tell an encouraging story about how Americans are approaching retirement,” said Sharon Brovelli, president of Workplace Investing at Fidelity Investments. “Workers continue to prioritize their financial future, saving at record levels and taking advantage of valuable benefits such as employer matching contributions. These steps can play a powerful role in strengthening long-term retirement readiness.”

The quarter also marked notable milestones across both workplace retirement plans and IRAs, reflecting the benefits of sustained saving and investing over time. Women who had continuously participated in a 401(k) plan for at least five years surpassed the quarter-million-dollar average balance mark, while female IRA investors reached an average balance of $130,231, up 12% from a year ago.

As one of the country’s leading workplace benefits providers2 and America’s No. 1 IRA provider3, Fidelity’s latest analysis of savings behaviors and account balances for more than 55 million IRA4, 401(k)5, and 403(b)6 retirement accounts can be found here.

Expanding retirement access for small businesses

This quarter’s analysis also includes a spotlight on providing access to retirement savings for small businesses. With small businesses employing nearly half of the U.S. workforce and more Americans participating in the growing gig economy, Fidelity has seen significant growth in small business retirement plan adoption and participation over the last five years – including 178% growth in small business retirement accounts like Fidelity’s Self-Employed 401(k), Self-Employed Roth 401(k), SEP IRA and Simple IRA – as well as a 46% increase in contributions to these accounts. Additionally, more than 25,000 participants are now saving through Fidelity Advantage 401(k), Fidelity’s pooled employer plan (PEP) for small businesses.

“Expanding access to retirement savings remains one of the most meaningful ways to improve long-term financial outcomes,” says Bob Mascialino, president of Wealth at Fidelity Investments. “As more small business owners explore retirement plan options for themselves and their employees, they are creating opportunities to confidently grow wealth throughout their lifetimes.”

Additional details and insight on retirement trends and data can be found in Fidelity’s latest quarterly edition of “Building Financial Futures” as well as the Workplace Insights hub, which explores original research, data-driven insights, and the latest industry trends.

About Fidelity Investments

Fidelity’s goal is to strengthen the financial well-being of our customers and deliver better outcomes for the clients and businesses we serve. Fidelity’s strength comes from the scale of our diversified, market-leading financial services businesses that serve individuals, families, employers, wealth management firms, and institutions. With assets under administration of $19.9 trillion, including managed assets of $7.8 trillion as of June 30, 2026, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a broad and growing customer base. Privately held for 80 years, Fidelity employs more than 80,000 associates across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/our-company.

Keep in mind that investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time, and you may gain or lose money.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Views expressed are of the date indicated, based on the information available at that time, and may change based on market or other conditions. Fidelity does not assume any duty to update any of the information.

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900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

Fidelity Distributors Company LLC,

900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

National Financial Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC,

245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110

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© 2026 FMR LLC. All rights reserved

1 Fidelity’s Biannual Wellbeing Study, based on data collected between June 11-18, 2026 from 2,347 respondents.

2 Based on PLANSPONSOR Magazine’s “2025 Recordkeeping Survey,” June 2025 and “2025 Defined Benefit Administration Survey,” September 2025.

3 The Cerulli Report – U.S. Retirement Markets 2025, based on an industry survey of firms reporting total IRA assets administered as of Q2 2025.

4 Fidelity business analysis of 20.3 million IRA accounts as of June 30, 2026. Considers only active participants with a balance.

5 Fidelity Investments Q2 2026 401(k) data based on 27,300 corporate defined contribution plans and 25.8 million participants as of June 30, 2026. These figures include the advisor-sold market but exclude the tax-exempt market. Excluded from the behavioral statistics are nonqualified defined contribution plans and plans for Fidelity’s own employees.

6 Fidelity Investments Q2 2026 403(b) data based on 10,644 Tax-exempt plans and 9.49 million plan participants as of June 30, 2026. Considers average balance across all active plans for 7.4 million unique individuals employed in tax-exempt market

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