GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Average Return On 401K

Highlights: Average Return On 401K Statistics

  • On average, the 401k balances by age 60 reach around $195,500.
  • 401k investors on average earned a return of 15.5% on their 401k portfolios in 2019.
  • The average return on 401k in 2017 was about 18.6%.
  • The average 401k account balance grew by 17% in 2019.
  • The average annual return for 401k plans over the past 20 years has been about 8%.
  • 75% of 401k plans included target-date funds at the end of 2016, out of which average performance was 9.6%.
  • The average account balance for Fidelity 401k plans grew to $106,500 in the third quarter of 2020.
  • The average 401k portfolio for U.S retirement savers ranges from 5% in bonds to around 8% in stock.
  • An average 401k plan includes 23 different investment options and those participating have an average of 2.7 funds in their 401k.
  • The average 401k retirement plan returned 15.8% in 2017.
  • The average American's 401(k) return hasn't kept up with inflation, it's near 0%.
  • The 2018 average 401k return was a loss of 6.4% due to market fluctuations.
  • People in their 60s have an average 401k balance of $195,500.
  • The average 401k account balance increased by 30% from 2011 to 2015.
  • People contributing to their 401k since 2010 have seen an average account balance increase of over 450%.
  • From the period 2013 to 2018, the average annual total 401k return ranged from -4.24% to +13.69%.
  • In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic led the average 401k balance to decline by 19% in the first quarter.
  • The average participant-directed 401k account earned annual returns of 3.1%, net of fees, from 1990-2012.
  • The long-term average annual return on a 401K plan is 5-8%, which accounts for periods of volatility in the market.

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When it comes to planning for retirement, many individuals rely on employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k). A 401(k) is a popular investment vehicle that allows employees to save for their retirement years by contributing a portion of their salary to the account. While the vast majority of individuals contribute to their 401(k) with the intention of seeing their investments grow over time, it is critical to understand the concept of average return on 401(k) statistics. These statistics provide valuable insights into the historical performance of 401(k) plans, guiding investors in making informed decisions about their investment strategies. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of average return on 401(k) statistics, its significance in retirement planning, and factors that can affect these statistics.

The Latest Average Return On 401K Statistics Explained

On average, the 401k balances by age 60 reach around $195,500.

This statistic indicates that, on average, individuals who have 401k retirement accounts have accumulated approximately $195,500 in their accounts by the time they reach the age of 60. This suggests that over their working years, individuals have saved a substantial amount of money to support their retirement. It is important to note that this figure represents an average, meaning that some individuals may have significantly higher balances, while others may have lower balances. The actual amount accumulated may vary based on factors such as income level, investment choices, and contribution rates.

401k investors on average earned a return of 15.5% on their 401k portfolios in 2019.

The statistic states that, on average, individuals who invested their money in 401k retirement accounts earned a return of 15.5% on their investment portfolios in the year 2019. This means that for every dollar invested, investors, on average, saw an increase in value of 15.5 cents. It suggests that the overall performance of 401k investments in 2019 was positive, indicating a healthy growth of retirement savings for the average investor during that period.

The average return on 401k in 2017 was about 18.6%.

The statistic “The average return on 401k in 2017 was about 18.6%” represents the average percentage increase in the value of 401k retirement accounts during the year 2017. This means that on average, individuals who invested in 401k plans saw their accounts grow by approximately 18.6% over the course of the year. This statistic is important as it provides an indication of the overall performance of 401k investments during this specific time period, highlighting the potential for individuals to accumulate wealth and savings for retirement.

The average 401k account balance grew by 17% in 2019.

The statistic ‘The average 401k account balance grew by 17% in 2019’ means that, on average, the amount of money saved in retirement accounts known as 401k plans increased by 17% over the course of the year. This increase is a positive indicator that individuals and workers are saving more and potentially making investment gains within their retirement accounts. It suggests that people are taking advantage of the benefits and opportunities offered by 401k plans to grow their wealth and prepare for their retirement years.

The average annual return for 401k plans over the past 20 years has been about 8%.

The average annual return for 401k plans over the past 20 years refers to the average percentage increase in value that individuals have experienced in their retirement accounts over that time period. A return of 8% means that, on average, 401k plans have grown by around 8% per year over the last 20 years. This statistic is important for individuals with 401k plans as it provides them with an indication of the potential growth they can expect from their investments in the long term. It also serves as a benchmark against which individuals can compare the performance of their own 401k plans to assess if they are achieving above-average returns or falling below the average.

75% of 401k plans included target-date funds at the end of 2016, out of which average performance was 9.6%.

This statistic indicates that at the end of 2016, 75% of all 401k plans included target-date funds as an investment option. These funds are designed to automatically adjust asset allocation as the target retirement date approaches, making them a popular choice for retirement savings. On average, the performance of these funds was 9.6%, which represents the return earned by investors who held these funds throughout the year. This suggests that many individuals who invested in target-date funds experienced positive financial growth in their retirement savings during the specified period.

The average account balance for Fidelity 401k plans grew to $106,500 in the third quarter of 2020.

The provided statistic states that the average account balance for Fidelity 401k plans increased to $106,500 during the third quarter of 2020. This means that, on average, individuals who held 401k plans with Fidelity had a balance of $106,500 in their accounts during that time period. This growth in account balance suggests positive financial performance and contributions made by plan participants. It also indicates potential success in investment strategies and market conditions during the stated quarter. This information can be useful for individuals comparing their own 401k account balances, investors assessing the performance of Fidelity 401k plans, and researchers analyzing trends in retirement savings.

The average 401k portfolio for U.S retirement savers ranges from 5% in bonds to around 8% in stock.

This statistic refers to the average distribution of assets within 401k portfolios among retirement savers in the United States. It suggests that, on average, 5% of the portfolio is invested in bonds, while around 8% is invested in stocks. These percentages indicate the proportion of the total portfolio value allocated to these specific asset classes. The allocation of investments in bonds and stocks is crucial for retirement savers as it affects their risk exposure and potential returns. This statistic provides a general overview of how individuals in the US are allocating their assets within their 401k retirement accounts.

An average 401k plan includes 23 different investment options and those participating have an average of 2.7 funds in their 401k.

This statistic is referring to the average characteristics of a typical 401k retirement plan. It states that, on average, a 401k plan provides individuals with 23 different investment options to choose from. Additionally, it highlights that the average participant in a 401k plan typically has 2.7 different funds invested within their plan. This suggests that individuals tend to diversify their investments within their 401k by allocating their savings across multiple investment options available to them. This information provides insight into the range of investment choices and the level of diversification within 401k plans.

The average 401k retirement plan returned 15.8% in 2017.

The statistic states that the average rate of return for 401k retirement plans in the year 2017 was 15.8%. This means that, on average, individuals who invested in 401k retirement plans saw a growth of their investments by 15.8% during that specific year. This can be interpreted as a positive outcome, indicating that the majority of individuals who invested in these plans experienced a substantial increase in the value of their retirement savings. It is important to acknowledge that this is an average value, and individual results may vary.

The average American’s 401(k) return hasn’t kept up with inflation, it’s near 0%.

This statistic implies that the average return on investment for American citizens’ 401(k) retirement accounts has not been sufficient to compensate for the increase in prices and the rising cost of living, as measured by inflation. In other words, the gains made from investing in these accounts have been minimal and almost negligible, reflecting a near 0% return on investment. This suggests that individuals’ retirement savings have not grown at a rate necessary to maintain their purchasing power and financial stability over time, highlighting the potential challenges many Americans may face in adequately funding their retirement.

The 2018 average 401k return was a loss of 6.4% due to market fluctuations.

The statistic indicates that the average return on 401k investments for the year 2018 was a loss of 6.4%. This loss was primarily attributed to market fluctuations, which means that the value of the assets held in 401k accounts decreased by an average of 6.4% during that period. This could be a result of various factors such as economic downturns, stock market declines, or changes in interest rates. It implies that, on average, individuals who had 401k accounts experienced a decrease in their investment portfolio value over the course of 2018.

People in their 60s have an average 401k balance of $195,500.

The statistic ‘People in their 60s have an average 401k balance of $195,500’ means that, based on the data collected, individuals in their 60s, on average, have accumulated a 401k retirement savings account balance of $195,500. This statistic provides insight into the typical financial state of retirement savings for this age group. It suggests that, on average, individuals in their 60s have accumulated a substantial amount of money in their 401k accounts, indicating a level of financial preparedness for retirement. However, it is important to note that this is an average value, and individual 401k balances may vary significantly around this average.

The average 401k account balance increased by 30% from 2011 to 2015.

The statistic states that the average balance in a 401k retirement account increased by 30% between 2011 and 2015. This means that, on average, individuals saw their retirement savings grow by 30% over this four-year period. The increase can be attributed to factors such as contributions made to the 401k account, employer matching contributions, and investment returns. This statistic suggests that individuals were able to accumulate more retirement savings during this time, indicating positive growth and potential financial security for their future retirement.

People contributing to their 401k since 2010 have seen an average account balance increase of over 450%.

The statistic states that individuals who have been contributing to their 401k retirement plans since 2010 have experienced a substantial increase in their average account balance, amounting to over 450%. This means that the total amount of money held in these retirement accounts has grown by more than four and a half times compared to the initial balance. This significant growth suggests that the investments made through these 401k plans have been successful, resulting in gradual accumulation of wealth over the given time period. Individual retirement savings have substantially multiplied thanks to sound financial decisions, resulting in a positive financial outcome for those involved.

From the period 2013 to 2018, the average annual total 401k return ranged from -4.24% to +13.69%.

This statistic refers to the average annual total return on a 401k investment during the period from 2013 to 2018. The range indicates the lowest and highest values observed during this time frame. The average return ranged from a negative 4.24% to a positive 13.69%. This means that, on average, 401k investments had a fluctuating performance during these years, with some years experiencing negative returns and others garnering positive returns. The range provides insight into the volatility and potential risk associated with investing in a 401k during this specific time period.

In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic led the average 401k balance to decline by 19% in the first quarter.

The given statistic states that in the first quarter of 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, the average amount of money held in 401k retirement accounts decreased by 19%. This decline is a consequence of the economic disturbances caused by the pandemic, which resulted in a decrease in the value of investments held within these accounts. As a result, individuals experienced a reduction in their retirement savings during this period.

The average participant-directed 401k account earned annual returns of 3.1%, net of fees, from 1990-2012.

The statistic indicates that, on average, the 401k accounts managed by participants earned a yearly return of 3.1%, after deducting fees, over the period from 1990 to 2012. This suggests that, overall, participants were able to generate positive investment gains through their self-directed 401k accounts during this time frame, after accounting for expenses related to managing the accounts.

The long-term average annual return on a 401K plan is 5-8%, which accounts for periods of volatility in the market.

The statistic “The long-term average annual return on a 401K plan is 5-8%, which accounts for periods of volatility in the market” refers to the average rate of growth or increase in the value of a 401K retirement investment account over a substantial period of time. This measure takes into consideration the yearly returns experienced by the account, which can vary due to fluctuations and instability in the financial markets. The range provided, 5-8%, indicates that on average, an individual’s 401K plan can be expected to appreciate by this percentage annually. It acknowledges that there might be periods of high volatility, where returns might be higher or lower, but in the long run, this range still holds true.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding average returns on 401K statistics is essential for anyone planning for retirement. By analyzing historical data and trends, we can gain valuable insights into the potential growth of our investments over time. However, it is important to recognize that average returns should not be the sole factor in making investment decisions. Other considerations, such as risk tolerance, diversification, and individual financial goals, also play a crucial role.

It is worth noting that while average returns provide a broad view of performance, they may not reflect an individual’s specific experience. The performance of a 401K account can vary depending on factors like investment choices, contribution amounts, and market conditions. Therefore, it is always wise to seek professional financial advice and regularly review and adjust your retirement strategy, as needed.

Overall, understanding average return on 401K statistics helps to guide our expectations and inform our decision-making process. By combining statistical analysis with careful planning and informed decision-making, we can strive to achieve our desired retirement goals.

References

0. – https://www.www.cnbc.com

1. – https://www.www.plansponsor.com

2. – https://www.www.spglobal.com

3. – https://www.www.investopedia.com

4. – https://www.centsai.com

5. – https://www.www.pensionrights.org

6. – https://www.www.nerdwallet.com

7. – https://www.www.fool.com

8. – https://www.www.planadviser.com

9. – https://www.www.benefitnews.com

10. – https://www.www.savingadvice.com

11. – https://www.money.cnn.com

12. – https://www.smartasset.com

13. – https://www.crr.bc.edu

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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