Retirement Data: Fidelity Plan Balances Q3 2017

Please click on the above chart to enlarge. From Fidelity's press release:

• "Retirement account balances reached all-time highs for the fourth consecutive quarter. Helped by strong stock market performance, the average 401(k) and IRA balances increased 10 percent over the last year and continued to hit record levels. The average 401(k) balance rose to $99,900, while the average IRA balance climbed to $103,500."  


• "While the average 401(k) and IRA balance increased for every generation (Boomers, Gen X and Millennials) over the last year, significant growth was seen among Gen X investors. The average IRA balance for Gen X investors increased 16.5 percent to $51,500, and the average Gen X 401(k) balance increased 18 percent to $98,800." 

November 2017 Market Update

The S&P 500 was up 2.22% in October. When we examine global securities via the Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index (MSCI ACWI, iShares ETF ACWI), which represents 85% of the global investable equity market, it has been up a record 12 months in a row. Investors must consider whether or not the strength of stocks can continue and ponder if low volatility can remain. Furthermore, we've made it to November escaping the seasonally risky months of August, September and October without any stock market corrections. With positive corporate earnings, the past two months saw the S&P 500 advance more than 4%. With that background, let's review price, sentiment and valuation as we start November.