Retirement accounts continued to show healthy growth year over year in the fourth quarter of 2025, although average balances didn't budge much from the preceding quarter, according to Fidelity's latest retirement analysis.
The giant asset manager reported Wednesday that average 401(k) balances grew over 11% from the 2024 fourth quarter but only 1% from last year's third quarter, while 401(b) balances rose 13% year over year and just 2% from the 2025 third quarter.
The average IRA balance climbed 7% year over year in the fourth quarter but slipped 0.5% from last year's third quarter.
Fidelity, the largest U.S. IRA provider, also noted that 401(k) and 403(b) savings rates held steady for the third straight quarter, while IRA account holders showed strong annual growth in contributions.
"Despite uniquely challenging times, retirement savers remain committed to their financial futures by staying the course with their retirement savings," said Sharon Brovelli, Fidelity's Workplace Investing president. "The consistency so many Americans show in maintaining responsible savings behaviors and keeping a long-term perspective will serve them well in retirement."
"Americans are clearly considering all the savings options available to them in an effort to solidify their financial futures," said Bob Mascialino, Wealth president at Fidelity. "Saving early and often, particularly in a tax-advantaged manner, is often the best way to save and invest for the future. We are dedicated to offering many ways for families to save and plan for their future — and will be working with the Treasury to offer Trump Accounts to help younger generations achieve a more secure future."
The average retirement account balances at Fidelity were $137,095 for IRAs, $146,400 for 401(k)s and $133,500 for 403(b)s in the fourth quarter.
See the accompanying slideshow for seven key points from Fidelity's fourth-quarter 2025 retirement analysis.
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