Average 401(k) balances drop 4% as more workers tap retirement savings amid Iran war market volatility
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Jessica Dickler
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Summary
Fidelity's first-quarter 2026 data shows average 401(k) balances fell 4% to $141,000 and IRA balances dropped 4% to $131,380 amid market volatility triggered by the Iran war. More workers are tapping their retirement accounts early for cash, potentially locking in losses during the market downturn.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledFinancial pressures pushed more savers to tap their retirement accounts in the first part of 2026, new data shows — potentially locking in losses during the early weeks of the Iran war.
The average 401(k) balance fell by 4% to $141,000, according to first-quarter data released Thursday from Fidelity Investments, the nation's largest provider of 401(k) savings plans.
The average individual retirement account balance was also down 4% to $131,380 in the first quarter, Fidelity found.
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