illustration of business man walking on tightrope that is actually a jagged stock chart arrow (Photo: Shutterstock)

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the US in mid-March, the stock market, as measured by the Dow Jones Wilshire 5000, declined by 35% between its February peak and March trough. While the market has largely recovered, it remains volatile and exposes household savings to continued market risk, highlighting the fragility of the nation's retirement plans.

A recent report from the Center for Retirement Research details where the declines occurred and the extent to which retirement accounts are exposed to equity market risk.

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