401(k) Balances Drop in 2026. See How Your Savings Compare401(k) Balances Drop in 2026. See How Your Savings Compare401(k) Balances Drop in 2026. See How Your Savings Compare 

USA TODAY Network / ReutersThe stock market took retirement savers on some wild-mouse roller coaster kind of turns early in 2026. We saw the Dow soar to close above the 50,000 mark for the first time ever on Feb. 6, but then jerk back and unexpectedly drop nearly 11% by late March following the sudden U.S. air strikes and ongoing war in Iran. Looking at the entire first quarter, though, the blows weren’t nearly as bad.