View Research by Author - Mauricio Soto

Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/MauricioSoto

The retirement savings of American households took a big hit when the stock market crashed in 2008. Recently, however, a good portion of these losses has been reversed. This fact sheet follows trends in retirement account balances since the beginning of 2005.

The stock market lost 56 percent of its value between September 30, 2007, and March 9, 2009. These losses reduced the retirement savings of American households. Recently, however, a good portion of these losses has been reversed. Equities gained 53 percent between March 9, 2009 and August 31, 2009.

As one of the fastest growing segments of the older population, Hispanics could become an important target for employers trying to attract and retain older workers. Older Hispanics participate in the labor force at relatively high rates and generally appear to be at least as healthy as non-Hispanic whites and healthier than blacks. Many, however, face substantial challenges in the workplace. They earn low wages and few benefits, and tend to work in physically demanding jobs that are often difficult to maintain into later life. Various policy reforms could boost older Hispanics' employment and earnings. Published by AARP (see link below.)

The stock market gained 35 percent between March 9, 2009 and May 5, 2009. For those who held on to their equities, these gains reversed some of the massive losses experienced since September 2007. This fact sheet examines the impact of the ongoing economic turmoil on older households and presents estimates of the retirement account losses to date.

The stock market lost 56 percent of its value between September 30, 2007 and March 6, 2009, a roughly $13 trillion drop. The loss has reduced the retirement savings of many Americans, particularly older adults. This fact sheet examines the impact of the ongoing economic turmoil on older households and presents estimates of the retirement account losses to date.

The stock market lost 47 percent of its value between September 30, 2007 and December 2, 2008, a roughly $11 trillion drop. The loss has reduced the retirement savings of many Americans, particularly older adults. This fact sheet examines the impact of the ongoing economic turmoil on older households and presents estimates of the retirement account losses to date.

The slumping stock market, falling housing prices, and weakening economy have serious repercussions for older Americans who are approaching retirement or already retired. Seniors have little time to recoup the values of their homes, 401(k) plans, and individual retirement accounts-all important parts of their retirement nest eggs. More and more older adults are working to bolster their retirement incomes, but the rising unemployment rate limits their prospects. This fact sheet examines the impact of the ongoing economic turmoil on retirement savings, home values, and retirement decisions.

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