← Back to context

Comment by mcoliver

4 months ago

Hence the big push currently ongoing to allow 401ks to invest in private markets

Wouldnt that be pocket change?

  • The exact value of all 401k isn't really known, but the average account value is estimated at ~135k, if (let's say) 200 million Americans have a 401k, that comes out to 27 trillion.

    • > isn't really known

      It's mostly known, but you're probably right it's not exactly known

      45 trillion across all retirement accounts, 12 trillion in defined contribution (including 401k), 9 trillion in just 401k

      https://www.ici.org/statistical-report/ret_25_q2

      In that chart, the 18T of IRA has portion in private equity, and the 15T of pension (defined benefit) has a portion in private equity. The 13T defined contribution plans (of which the vast majority is 401k) can't be placed in private equity right now.

    • Yeah, but I don't think anybody is expecting every single American to take out 100% of their savings from the stock market and put them in private equity.