Market gains lift 401(k) balances for Americans in their 30s and 40s

Fidelity reports a 10.5% quarterly jump in average 401(k) balances, with 30-somethings averaging about $75,200 and 40-somethings about $156,800; including employer contributions, savers put in roughly 14.4% of pay, near Fidelity’s 15% target, and most receive their full employer match. The piece notes retirement readiness goes beyond the 401(k) and offers benchmarks (about 1x–3x income by 40, 10x by 67) and tips to catch up if you’re behind.