Average plan balances hit record highs, assisted by strong market returns and increased contributions.
The average plan balance grew 14% in 2017.
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year-end 2017 average plan balance.
Among workers participating for at least two years, average balances up nearly 50%.
Auto enrollment continues to drive up participation rates.
average participation rate in 2017
participation rate for plans with auto enrollment
participation rate for plans without auto enrollment
Average savings rates increased.
Average savings rate in 2016
Average savings rate in 2017
Nearly one-quarter of all participants are enrolled in automatic contribution escalation.
Participants reaped the benefits of a strong year on Wall Street.
was the average return on investments in 2017
participants had a rate of return of 20% or more
Target date funds are widely (mis)used.
participants invested in target date funds when available
of target date fund users were also invested in other funds
