There’s good news and interesting news on the retirement front: balances are up, while more plan participants are taking the “do-it-for-me” approach.

The 401(k) and Individual Retirement Account analysis by Fidelity Investments for the second quarter of 2016 indicated that account balances were up, despite volatility in the markets.

The average 401(k) balance rose nearly 2 percent to $88,900 from $87,300 at the end of Q1, but fell 2.5 percent compared with $91,100 at the end of Q2 2015. The average IRA balance, at $89,700, also increased slightly from $89,300 at the end of Q1, but was 7 percent lower compared with $96,300 at the end of Q2 2015.

Plan participants in 401(k)s were also using target-date funds and managed accounts in record numbers, with the percentage of Fidelity customers with all of their 401(k) assets in a target-date fund or managed account topping 45 percent at the end of Q2.

These investors, the firm said, were less likely to react to market swings and economic events. It added that, among savers with all their 401(k) savings in a target-date fund, only 1 percent changed the investments within their 401(k) over the past 12 months. On the other hand, among “do-it-yourself” 401(k) investors, 13 percent had made an investment change over the past 12 months.

Balances for long-term millennial savers were also up, with the average balance for millennials who have been continuously active in their 401(k) plan for 10 years hitting a record $92,900 at the end of Q2. That’s an increase of nearly 10 percent from $84,700 a year ago. The overall balance for long-term savers reached $241,300 at the end of Q2, up from $231,500 one year ago.

People were also using more of Fidelity’s online tools, seeking information on a wide range of financial topics that included how to increase their savings, establish an emergency fund and find out more about Social Security benefits.

Instant Insights /

401(k) and IRA plan participants saving more, relying on plan features

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